Reps. Whitesides, Harrigan, McClain Delaney, Haridopolos Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Simplify Parental Controls Across Kids’ Devices

TOTAL Screen Time Act would direct NIST to develop a single, interoperable standard so parents no longer have to manage screen time limits app-by-app and device-by-device.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. George Whitesides (D-CA), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), and Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) introduced the Tracking Online Time And Limits (TOTAL) Screen Time Act, bipartisan legislation to make it easier for parents to manage their children’s screen time across the growing number of devices in the average household.

Currently, screen time limits don’t work between devices, requiring parents to attempt to monitor each phone, tablet, computer, game console, and smart TV individually. When a child hits their limit on a smartphone, they can simply switch to a tablet or game console to start the clock over. This forces parents into an impossible guessing game: either micromanage a patchwork of fragmented timers across different devices, or risk their children spending hours ‘device-hopping’ from one screen to the next.

The TOTAL Screen Time Act aims to fix that fragmentation by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a voluntary technical standard that allows parents to set and enforce screen time limits seamlessly across covered devices. Rep. Whitesides introduced and spoke in favor of an amendment with similar provisions during a Science, Space, and Technology Committee markup in June.

“As a parent, I’ve seen how hard it is to enforce any kind of screen time limits on one device for my kids, let alone multiple devices that all have different apps with different passwords,” said Rep. Whitesides. “This bill doesn’t tell families how much screen time is right for their kids – that’s a decision for parents to make. What it does is give parents the tools to actually enforce that decision, no matter what device their child picks up. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan fix to a problem nearly every parent in America has run into.”

“As a father of two young girls, I know firsthand how hard it is for parents to keep up with screen time in a world where every device is fighting for our kids’ attention,” said Rep. Harrigan. “I’m proud to co-lead the TOTAL Screen Time Act with Rep. George Whitesides to help give parents real, practical tools to manage their kids’ screen time, without creating a new database of our children’s activity or compromising their privacy in the process. Parents shouldn’t need a computer science degree to protect their kids online, and this bill is a common-sense step toward making that easier.”

“Parents shouldn’t have to navigate a maze of apps and devices just to protect their children online. As technology evolves, so should the tools families have to manage it safely. The TOTAL Screen Time Act is a practical, bipartisan step toward giving parents consistent, privacy-protective controls across the digital platforms their children use every day,” said Rep. McClain Delaney. “I’m proud to join Congressman Whitesides and my colleagues to help put parents back in the driver’s seat and create a healthier digital environment for our kids.”

“The TOTAL Screen Time Act gives parents what they’ve been asking for: one seamless, interoperable standard to set and enforce screen time limits across every device their kids use, from phones to game consoles to TVs,” said Joel Thayer, Digital Progress Institute President.“It does this the right way, by design protecting children’s privacy, barring any centralized database of minor activity, and preserving cybersecurity, while requiring NIST to build the standard in consultation with the FTC, the Surgeon General, medical professionals, and child safety advocates. DPI is proud to support this bill and urges Congress to move quickly to get it into parents’ hands.”

“Parents RISE! strongly supports Congressman Whitesides’ TOTAL Screen Time Act and applauds his leadership in giving families better tools to protect children’s digital well-being, said Julianna Arnold, Parents RISE! Executive Director. “A secure, privacy-protective standard that works across devices would provide parents with a practical way to set consistent limits. These tools are an important part of a broader child-safety framework that must also require technology companies to design products that protect children from foreseeable harm.”

The TOTAL Screen Time Act would:

Establish interoperable standards by directing NIST to develop a voluntary technical standard enabling parents to set and enforce screen time limits across multiple “covered devices,” including phones, tablets, computers, game consoles, and televisions.

Prioritize privacy and security by requiring that the standard minimize data exchange between devices, prohibit the creation of a centralized database tracking minors’ activity, and preserve strong cybersecurity protections.

Engage experts by requiring NIST to consult with the Federal Trade Commission, the Surgeon General, device manufacturers, medical professionals, and child safety and privacy advocacy organizations throughout the development of the draft and final standard.

This legislation builds on Rep. Whitesides’ ongoing work on children’s digital wellbeing. He has held roundtables with parents, educators, and students across the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley to hear directly about how screen time and social media are affecting young people, and take that feedback to Washington.

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Congressman Williams Introduces Resolution in Support of Glioblastoma Awareness Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for designating July 15, 2026, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day." Congressman Williams was joined by Representatives Brian Mast, Jake Auchincloss, and Jan Schakowsky in leading this resolution to raise awareness of Glioblastoma and honor those impacted by the disease. The late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the companion resolution in the Senate, continuing efforts to recognize Glioblastoma Awareness Day, a cause he championed in honor of the late Senator John McCain.

"Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of brain cancer, affecting thousands of Americans and families like mine every year," said Congressman Williams. "By recognizing Glioblastoma Awareness Day, we honor the strength of those affected and renew our commitment to advancing research, improving treatment options, and one day finding a cure."

“On the eighth annual Glioblastoma Awareness Day, July 15, 2026, we will gather as a community to amplify the voices, experiences, and urgent needs of everyone living with Glioblastoma, one of the most complex, treatment-resistant, and deadliest types of cancer,” said David Arons, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Brain Tumor Society. “We give our thanks to the leaders in the House and Senate who made the bipartisan resolutions possible, officially designating July 15, 2026, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day.”

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Background:

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor and one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

More than 14,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2026.

The 5-year survival rate for Glioblastoma patients is only 7.1 percent, and the median length of survival for Glioblastoma patients is approximately nine months.

H.Res. 1270 bill text here.

Supporting Organizations: The National Brain Tumor Society

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Womack Votes for Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill to Protect America’s Interests Abroad

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 15, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

This bill allocates $47.32 billion in discretionary spending to fund the Department of State and related agencies.

Congressman Womack said, “Our national security is strongest when we invest wisely, and thanks to the leadership of my friend, Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, this bill does exactly that. It strategically supports our allies while ensuring American taxpayer dollars do not benefit our foreign adversaries. I am encouraged that House leadership recognizes the importance of advancing this measure swiftly—not only to protect our national interests abroad, but also to restore regular order to the appropriations process.”

Bill highlights:

Bolsters United States national security and protects American interests abroad by:

Providing unwavering support for Israel by including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.

Providing robust assistance for key United States partners Egypt and Jordan.

Including $500 million in Foreign Military Financing Program funding for Taiwan and $200 million for the Philippines.

Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.

Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and to counter the PRC’s malign influence.

Denying the Chinese Communist Party access to U.S.-backed resources.

Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates.

Prohibiting funds to the Taliban.

Prohibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities–including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack–but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations.

Supporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid.

Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.

Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that exploit Cuban doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices.

A summary of the bill is available HERE.

The bill text is available HERE.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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ALSOBROOKS VOTES TO ADVANCE WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2026

July 15, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works’ (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, attended the EPW’s Committee markup of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. After the markup, Senator Alsobrooks voted “yes” along with Committee colleagues to unanimously advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2026.

WATCH ALSOBROOKS’ FULL QUESTIONING HERE

“Every family, every business, every school, and every community depends on safe, abundant, reliable water—and on the partnerships that cross municipal lines and unite rural and urban communities to manage flood risk and harness the economic opportunities afforded to us by our waterways. In Maryland—whether you’re from the Eastern Shore or Mountain Maryland, Baltimore or the suburbs, we are all connected by the same rivers, the same streams, and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

Senator Alsobrooks is proud of the real results for Maryland included in this legislation:

Environmental Infrastructure Implementation

Amends Section 219, which authorizes the Army Corps to assist non-federal partners with local environmental infrastructure and water-related projects, to allow non-federal interests to lead design and construction and receive reimbursement for the federal share of costs, which will streamline implementation and lower costs.

Potomac River Basin Water Supply Study

Much of Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Washington, DC, and parts of Northern Virginia rely on the Potomac River for drinking water. If the river were contaminated by a chemical spill, major infrastructure failure, or other emergency, there is only a limited amount of stored treated water available. The Army Corps has noted that some systems have only 24 to 48 hours of supply if the Potomac became unusable. This study will evaluate long-term and large-scale secondary water supply options in the Potomac River Basin, primarily for Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and DC.

Assateague Island Shoreline Restoration

Assateague Island has been eroding at an accelerated rate and is extremely vulnerable to breaching. This bill authorizes a study to extend federal participation in the shoreline restoration project.

Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program Authorization Increase

The Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program focuses on the restoration and rehabilitation of reef habitat to provide for self-sustaining native oyster populations and associated fish and wildlife habitat within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program is roughly $38M away from its authorized cap of $120M. The bill increases authorized funds for the oyster recovery program from $120,000,000 to $150,000,000, allowing for critical oyster recovery work to continue.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Re-Watering Cost Share Adjustment

Under previous WRDA authorities, the federal government is responsible for 65 percent of project costs, and the City of Cumberland is responsible for 35 percent of the project costs. This high cost ratio is overly burdensome for Cumberland’s budget, and work is currently halted for the project. The cost share for the C&O re-watering project is adjusted from 65-35 to 90-10, allowing the Corps and Cumberland to begin to move forward with the project. The project will restore and rewater the historic C&O Canal terminus, supporting downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic development while complementing Cumberland’s broader flood risk management efforts.

Mussel Restoration Authorization

Adds mussels to the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program, allowing Maryland to continue its mussel restoration work.

Curtis Creek Maintenance

The Curtis Creek Federal Navigation Channel serves the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, the Coast Guard’s only shipbuilding and major repair facility. The existing federal maintenance dredging authorization is limited to a depth of 22 feet, which no longer reflects the operational needs of the modern Coast Guard fleet. The Coast Guard is currently funding and completing an initial dredging of the channel to accommodate newer vessels. However, once that work is complete, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will only be authorized to maintain the channel at its currently authorized depth of 22 feet. This bill fixes that and allows the Corps to dredge to maintain a depth of 27 feet, provided the Corps determines that it is economically justified, important for national security benefits, and environmentally acceptable. Maintaining reliable access to the Yard is not just critical for our national security, but it is also important to Maryland’s economy. The Yard supports more than 6,500 jobs and generates approximately $900 million in annual economic output. Ensuring the channel can continue accommodating modern Coast Guard vessels protects these jobs, sustains Maryland’s maritime industrial base, and preserves the Yard’s long-term operational capability.

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Baldwin, Ernst Lead Bill to Cut Red Tape, Expand Internet Access in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand access to broadband in rural areas and ease the burden of regulatory costs for smaller broadband providers that rural communities rely on.

“Wisconsinites in every corner of our state depend on reliable, high-speed internet to run their businesses, attend school, manage their farms, and so much more,” said Senator Baldwin. “Unfortunately, burdensome regulations intended for much larger companies are hurting our small broadband providers and limiting their ability to reach more people. My bipartisan bill cuts through that red tape and helps our local providers expand access to high speed, affordable internet for families and businesses across Wisconsin.”

“Reliable broadband is essential for Iowa families, farmers, students, and small businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “I'm proud to partner with Senator Baldwin to cut unnecessary red tape through our bipartisan ACCESS Rural America Act so small, rural broadband providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time connecting rural America.”

The Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports (ACCESS) Rural America Act provides regulatory relief to rural telecommunications service providers by allowing them to submit streamlined financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These small companies—many of which are the sole service providers in their region—could be put out of business by regulatory costs and unnecessary red tape. Specifically, this bipartisan legislation would create an exemption from certain SEC public registration and reporting requirements for rural telecommunications companies. This will save these small companies from costly and burdensome requirements that were never intended for them.

The bill is supported by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.

“Federal Securities and Exchange Commission registration and reporting requirements intended for larger, publicly-traded firms pose significant challenges for, and can impose substantial burdens on, smaller, locally-owned companies with limited resources. NTCA therefore greatly appreciates the leadership of Senators Baldwin and Ernst in introducing the ‘ACCESS Rural America Act,’ which will help relieve these burdens and enable small providers to focus more on their core mission of deploying and operating advanced broadband networks in rural areas,” said Mike Romano, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.

“The Wisconsin contingent of rural local community-based providers are elated to see the bipartisan bill and to eagerly work with Senator Baldwin and her office on the ACCESS Rural America Act. As rural providers, our customers and stakeholders will benefit from the long-awaited relief of the bill to free up local providers to better serve rural America with lesser cost and restraint via additional SEC regulations. It is a great time to unleash the collective rural based providers for the likes of BEAD related and other funding programs as we celebrate the 30th year of The Telecommunications Act of 1996 that helped boost markets and innovation as this may have a similar effect. Many of these rural local community-providers in Wisconsin have existed and served for over about half of our nation’s 250-year celebration and endeavor to continue to serve deftly with bills like ACCESS Rural America Act paving the way. Thank you, Senator Baldwin, for your dedication to rural Wisconsin constituents on behalf of our community-based providers across the state,” said John Klatt, President of Lakeland Communications.

Full text of the bill is available here. A one-pager on the bill is available here.

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Baldwin Presses Trump Health Nominees on Vaccine Conspiracy Theories and Putting Politics Ahead of Americans’ Health

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) pressed two of President Donald Trump’s top health nominees on vaccine skepticism and promotion of conspiracy theories and the ongoing politicization of public health and research threatening the health of Americans. During the confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Baldwin pressed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nominee, Dr. Erica Schwartz, on whether she thinks vaccines are safe and effective and whether political influence and pressure from President Trump would come before the health and safety of Americans. Senator Baldwin also questioned Trump’s nominee to lead the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Sean Kaufman, on his view of vaccines given his track record promoting the disproven link between safe vaccines and autism and previous statements that he would “rather perish” than allow his child to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The hearing comes as President Trump and HHS Secretary RFK, Jr.’s agenda continues to threaten Americans’ health and safety, routinely putting politics before science. Under President Trump, the CDC has forced out thousands of career scientists and employees tasked with tracking infectious disease outbreaks and safety hazards, issued vaccine recommendations that undercut decades of settled science, and cut grants to states. Additionally, a recent rule pushed by the Trump Administration would create a government-wide mechanism requiring political review of every grant, add restrictions on what funded researchers can publish, and expand the President’s handpicked staff authority to terminate grants on a whim.

The Trump administration and HHS Secretary RFK, Jr.’s vaccine policy also continues to hurt Americans, including attempting to change the number of shots routinely recommended to children, including for flu, hepatitis A, rotavirus and meningococcal disease. President Trump’s first CDC Director, Susan Monarez, was fired last year after refusing to acquiesce to a demand from RFK, Jr. that she pre-approve a childhood vaccine schedule without scientific evidence. This spring, a study showing the effectiveness of COVID vaccines was blocked from publication by Trump officials. This administration’s work to undercut faith in vaccines comes as the United States is seeing record numbers of vaccine-preventable diseases. As of early July, 2,231 measles cases were confirmed, according to CDC data, already nearing 2025 totals. 93% of these cases have been linked to people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

A full video of Senator Baldwin’s questioning is available here.

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Barrasso Blasts Democrats for Blocking the National Defense Authorization Act

“By voting against the National Defense Authorization Act, Democrats are disrespecting American troops. Democrats are undermining American security. Democrats are jeopardizing American strength.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today blasted Democrats for blocking consideration of the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Senator Barrasso discussed how Senate Democrats continue to stand in the way of a pay raise for our troops and funding for the military capabilities needed to keep America safe.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as delivered:

“Few votes in this body are as important as the vote to fund our troops, our military. Yesterday, right here on this Floor of the United States Senate, every single Democrat voted to block that funding.

“And just ten minutes ago the Minority Leader came to the Floor and bragged about the fact that the Democrats had blocked the funding for our military. He stood here and said they’re proud of the fact that they are once again choosing politics over the security of our nation. That’s what we’re facing here in the United States Senate today.

“We’re talking about the National Defense Authorization Act, and this Congress has passed this bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act every year for the past 65 years. And when it came to the Floor of the Senate yesterday, the Minority Leader said to the Democrats, ‘Say no. Say no to the military.’ I’m going to go through the list of all the things they said no to yesterday.

“This year should be no different than the other years – 65 years in a row. This year’s defense bill gives our military every tool it needs to keep us as Americans safe. It invests in peace through strength at home and abroad. Importantly, this bill provides a pay raise for the men and women who defend our nation.

“Every single Democrat in this chamber joined Senator Schumer, joined Bernie Sanders, joined Elizabeth Warren, and said, ‘Nope. We’re not voting for it.’ ‘We’re not voting for it.’ That’s what they said. They refused to allow the debate to even begin. This is before the bill even started the debate here on the Floor of the Senate. And it’s interesting because many of them flip-flopped. What do I mean by that? It means first, many of them voted for the bill in the Committee to send it to the Floor, then it gets to the Floor, and what happens? All of them voted to block it from even beginning the debate. Apparently, Democrats were for it before they were against it.

“Here’s what Democrats voted against. They voted against higher pay for our troops. They voted against better healthcare for our service members and their families. Democrats voted against better housing for our troops. Democrats voted against stronger deterrence. Democrats voted against a more lethal military. Democrats voted against a larger, stronger Navy. Democrats even voted against a modern nuclear deterrent. Don’t we want to deter nuclear war? This is at a time when nuclear weapons are proliferating all around the world.

“In my home state of Wyoming, we have F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The airmen who serve there are the lynchpin of our land-based nuclear force. The deterrence there has been known over the decades as our nation’s ‘ace in the hole.’ That’s how it works. The desire to protect us as a nation. Democrats voted against all of it.

“They actually even voted against expanding our military recruitment effort. They don’t want us to be able to recruit for the military, and they don’t want the military to be properly funded and equipped in a way to protect us as a nation. Democrats actually even voted against more savings for taxpayers. Democrats voted against protecting women’s sports at our military schools. They don’t want any of that. Democrats voted against promotions based on merit and merit alone. Oh no, you’ve merited and earned a promotion – no you’re not getting it on merit alone.

“That’s who the Democrats have become. That’s the threat to our nation. This far-leftist group that’s telling the Democrats here on the Floor of the Senate what to do and for things that have been bipartisan in the past. They said ‘No, we can’t do that anymore. This left, far-left wing of the party is telling us what to do and how to march in step.’

“Democrats voted against ending harmful DEI mandates. They voted against stronger border security. They like open borders. They don’t want border security. They voted against funding to combat against cartels that are moving poison into the country, killing young people in record numbers. Democrats voted against stopping the flood of deadly drugs and illegal border crossings.

“Just two days ago, right here on the Senate Floor, Senator from Maryland, Senator Chris Van Hollen said this. He said, missile defense, to defend against incoming missiles for the American people he said, in his words ‘wasteful spending.’ It’s remarkable. Defending the country, ‘wasteful spending.’ That’s who the Democrats have become.

“The Democrats act like penny-pinchers when it comes to pay our troops to protect our homeland. Yet they accept the astronomical cost of the waste, the fraud, the abuse. Free healthcare for illegal immigrants. The fraud that’s happening like we’re seeing in Minnesota. All of those things. The Democrats are for all of that, but they’re not for our troops and they’re not for defending our nation. That’s the Democrat Party of today. The Democrats of today are radical. They are extreme. They are dangerous. They are scary. Well the world’s a dangerous place. And by voting against the National Defense Authorization Act, Democrats are disrespecting the American troops. They are undermining American security, and Democrats are jeopardizing American strength.

“Our friend Lindsey Graham, he believed in peace through strength. I do as well, as do most Americans. Not the Democrat party of today. It’s time for us to act on that belief. That America’s best when we are strong, and it helps make us more safe. It is time for the Senate to pass the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act. And it’s time for Democrats to act like Americans.”

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Bennet, Hickenlooper, Hurd Support GORP Act at Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Video of Bennet’s testimony is available HERE.

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet testified during the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining hearing in support of his Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act. This is the first time this legislation has received a committee hearing.

Over the last decade, Bennet has worked with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Congressman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), seven counties in Central and Western Colorado, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, local municipalities, local businesses, and public lands users from dirt bikers to ranchers and conservationists to develop this bill. This legislation would permanently protect key portions of the Gunnison Basin and the surrounding regions through a variety of public land management tools, including special designations focused on recreation, wildlife, scientific research, and conservation.

“Over a decade ago, I stood on the banks of the Slate River in the Gunnison Basin and promised the local community that if they could agree on a shared vision to protect this landscape, I would carry a bill to help make that vision a reality, and they did…These conversations reflect a broad vision for the landscape, bipartisan agreement on common sense solutions, and ultimately strong support for the Gunnison Outdoor Resource Protection Act, or as we call it, the GORP Act.” Bennet said during his testimony.

“The Gunnison Basin’s sprawling landscapes and breathtaking scenery are a gem of the West,” said Hickenlooper. “Let’s protect these lands for generations to come.”

The GORP Act would protect over 730,000 acres of public lands in western Colorado, safeguarding the region’s local economy, world-class recreation, ranching heritage, wildlife habitat, and clean air and water. The bill also includes provisions for recreational boating in Delta County and, at the request of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, transfers the Pinecrest Ranch from fee ownership to trust ownership.

Bennet drafted the GORP Act at the request of Gunnison County and based on a proposal from the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative. The bill also reflects the input from surrounding counties and feedback Bennet received during a public comment period held in 2022. Bennet and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) first introduced the GORP Act in 2024 and reintroduced this legislation in 2025. U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives in 2025.

During this hearing, Bennet submitted more than 30 letters of support for the GORP Act into the record, including from The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, 7 counties, 5 cities and towns, over 110 local businesses, and 17 NGOs.

The text of the bill is available HERE. Maps of the areas designated by the bill are HERE. A summary of the bill is HERE. You can find additional information, including support letters and answers to frequently asked questions on the GORP Act website HERE.

Statements of Support:

Colorado’s great outdoors are known around the world and this bill marks a valuable step in the protection and management of the incredible Gunnison Basin for future generations of Coloradans and visitors,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “I appreciate Senator Bennet’s and Congressman Hurd’s leadership on this issue and look forward to continuing to engage on this bill with them as it moves forward.

“As a former resident of the Gunnison Valley and Western Colorado University graduate, I am intimately aware of the importance public lands, wildlife and outdoor recreation are to local communities’ economy and environment,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “Our forests, water, wildlife and open spaces are some of our most precious natural resources and outdoor recreation drives visitors and residents to our state to enjoy our diverse opportunities. I commend Senator Bennet, Representative Hurd and the many diverse stakeholders on developing the locally driven Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act. I look forward to working alongside all interested parties as this legislation makes its way through the U.S. Congress.”

“The GORP Act is the product of the way we do business in Gunnison County: We sit down with our friends and neighbors and do the hard work of finding common ground and durable solutions that best serve our communities. Public Lands touch every aspect of our lives and are the backbone of our economy, our values and our way of life. I am proud of the work we have done to bring so many stakeholders- snowmobilers, ranchers, mountain bikers, hunters/anglers and conservationists to name a few- together,” said Jonathan Houck, Gunnison County Commissioner. “While GORP started in Gunnison County, I couldn’t be happier to stand with five neighboring Western Slope counties in support of this legislation, and I thank Senator Bennet for listening to our communities and to Congressman Hurd for supporting the hard work of his constituents in this part of his district.”

Delta County is glad to have worked with Senator Bennet and Representative Hurd on the GORP Act,” said the Delta County Commissioners. “Its provisions for Delta County will provide public access to a boat ramp, ensure that the BLM can continue to permit existing motorized boat use, provide for adaptive management of our USFS lands, and bring forward a thoughtful balance of uses on public lands in the North Fork Valley. This legislation shows what’s possible when we roll up our sleeves and work together.”

“As we traverse from Pitkin to Gunnison over West Maroon Pass, we are enjoying the awe of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The GORP Act expands our existing wilderness, protecting vistas and valley floors, providing stewardship and lasting protection for generations,” said Jeffrey Woodruff, Chair of the Board of Pitkin County Commissioners. “These valuable lands offer wildlife refuge, reserves for clean water, and access to quiet recreation. The GORP Act protects land residents view as sacred and visitors experience the spirit and value of conservation.”

“Hinsdale County was proud to have collaborated with Senator Bennet, Gunnison County and Ouray County on the GORP Act,” said Kristie Borchers, Chair, Hinsdale County Board of County Commissioners. “We are excited that a key portion of the scenic Cimarron area where Hinsdale, Ouray and Gunnison County come together will be protected by this legislation. This bill will help protect our watersheds and the landscapes that attract the visitors who help drive our mountain town economies in the San Juan Mountains. We look forward to seeing the GORP Act move forward in Congress and we are excited to see Congressman Hurd introduce a companion version of this bill in the US House. The support on the ground for GORP is bipartisan and it’s great to see the bill have bipartisan support in Washington DC as well.”

“The GORP Act sets the bar for collaborative and beneficial legislation,” said Lynn Padgett, Ouray County Commissioner. “I am forever grateful to Senator Bennet and his team and stakeholders like Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Ouray Counties for enthusiastically working together to include the proposed Uncompahgre Wilderness expansion and especially for protecting Turret Ridge. The peaks of the Cimarron Range are unique in their scenery and geology. The GORP Act not only protects important migration areas for elk and key habitats for lynx and moose. The GORP Act protects our precious wildlands, vital to our local economy and quality of life. We deeply appreciate that Representative Hurd has now joined the effort to pass this bill in the US House.”

“As a rural mountain community whose economy, culture, and quality of life are deeply connected to public lands, Chaffee County understands the importance of thoughtful, locally informed conservation efforts that balance recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, historic uses, and sustainable economic vitality,” said the Chaffee County Commissioners. “The GORP Act reflects this balanced and collaborative approach. The public lands addressed through the GORP Act are an essential part of Colorado’s outdoor heritage and regional economy. Protecting these landscapes will help preserve critical wildlife habitat, safeguard watersheds that sustain downstream communities and agricultural operations, and maintain the outstanding recreational opportunities that support local businesses and tourism economies throughout central and western Colorado.”

“As Mayor of Crested Butte I am beyond excited to see GORP receive its first hearing,” said Ian Billick, Mayor of Crested Butte. “This is a testament to the community conversation shepherded by Senator Bennet, as well as his foresight and hard work. Serious kudos to Representative Jeff Hurd for stepping up to support this bill as well, making it clear that when local communities invest their blood, sweat, and tears in working through hard conversations, in this instance for more than 10 years, bipartisan progress is possible! Working together we can make good things happen.”

“We appreciate the Committee taking this important step towards the enactment of the GORP Act and stand ready to continue our support through the remainder of the legislative process” said members of the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative in a joint statement. “With the many significant challenges facing our public lands, waters, and Federal land management agencies, the enactment of the GORP Act has never been more important or urgent.”

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VIDEO: Blackburn Scorches Durbin for Grandstanding on Epstein Files After He Previously Blocked Subpoena Requests

“When Ranking Member Durbin was Chairman in the last Congress, I tried repeatedly to subpoena the Epstein files so that we could get those banking records and those flight logs.”

“Repeatedly, that was blocked.”

“So, the Democrats at that point didn’t want to know what was in the Epstein files until they lost the majority, and then they were hell bent to get that.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today during U.S. Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) slammed Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) for pretending to care about the Epstein files after he previously blocked Senator Blackburn’s requests to subpoena the Epstein flight logs as Chairman of the Committee.

Senator Blackburn spoke with Acting Attorney General Blanche about the tremendous success of the Memphis Safe Task Force and the need to pass her Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act, her Ban Birth Tourism Act, and her Fraud Accountability Act to support his work on these issues at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks.

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Blackburn Schools Durbin After He Lies About Blocking Her Requests for Epstein Flight Logs


Blumenthal & Hawley Press Medicare Advantage Insurers About Refusal of Care for Vulnerable Seniors

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), a member of PSI, are demanding answers from Medicare Advantage insurers UnitedHealthcare, CVS, and Humana about the companies’ refusal of care for vulnerable seniors. In letters sent yesterday to the three insurers, the Senators pressed the companies for records and information after recent reports issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General (HHS OIG) revealed the scale of insurers’ use of prior authorization to deny post-acute care to patients.

Pointing to the HHS OIG’s findings, Blumenthal and Hawley wrote in a letter to Jim Rechtin, President and CEO of Humana, “These findings follow and closely track those of an October 2024 staff report of PSI finding that Humana and other Medicare Advantage insurers disproportionately denied post-acute care to America’s most vulnerable patients. These new HHS OIG reports suggest that little has changed, and call into question claims your company has made since the release of the Subcommittee’s report that it is reining in prior authorization.”

The Senators continued, “In the period since the Subcommittee’s report, Humana and other large insurers have claimed that they are reducing the burden prior authorization poses for members and their healthcare providers.”

The Senators continued, “Because of an absence of comprehensive reporting requirements, Medicare Advantage insurers are able to hide the full extent of denials of care resulting from their abuse of prior authorization. HHS OIG’s recent reports make clear that critical data reporting gaps highlighted by the Subcommittee continue to obscure the full extent of this problem.”

“This year, the federal government is projected to spend $76 billion more to cover Medicare Advantage enrollees than it would have if these beneficiaries were enrolled in Traditional Medicare…As Humana and others continue to deny claims at record rates and pursue lucrative technologies that threaten patient wellbeing, it is incumbent upon Congress to provide oversight of this vast expenditure of taxpayer dollars,” the Senators concluded.

Last Congress, Blumenthal led an investigation into the barriers facing seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage in accessing care. As part of that probe, Blumenthal released a staff report detailing how the nation’s largest Medicare Advantage insurers use prior authorization to target stays in skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term acute care hospitals in order to boost their profits.

The full text of Blumenthal and Hawley’s letter to Humana is available here and below. Similar letters were sent to CVS and UnitedHealthcare.

Dear Mr. Rechtin:

Two recent reports issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG) contain troubling findings about the scale of prior authorization denials in the Medicare Advantage program by Humana and other large insurers. These findings follow and closely track those of an October 2024 staff report of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI” or “the Subcommittee”) finding that Humana and other Medicare Advantage insurers disproportionately denied post-acute care to America’s most vulnerable patients. These new HHS OIG reports suggest that little has changed, and call into question claims your company has made since the release of the Subcommittee’s report that it is reining in prior authorization. Accordingly, we write to request updated information about your company’s prior authorization practices.

The Subcommittee’s report was based on a review of more than 280,000 pages of documents from the three largest Medicare Advantage insurers, including internal emails and strategy documents, as well as prior authorization data not previously provided to regulators. The documents and data showed that Humana and other insurers denied prior authorization requests for admission to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), and long-term acute care hospitals (LTCHs) at rates vastly higher than for other types of treatments. Stays in these facilities can be critical to recovery for vulnerable seniors who have been ill or injured. Documents obtained by the Subcommittee indicated that insurers sought ways to deny increasing shares of this expensive care.

In the period since the Subcommittee’s report, Humana and other large insurers have claimed that they are reducing the burden prior authorization poses for members and their healthcare providers. But the recent HHS OIG reports, which were based on data from approximately a year-and-a-half after the Subcommittee’s report, demonstrate that prior authorization’s disproportionate impact on post-acute care has, if anything, intensified.

One HHS OIG report found that the largest Medicare Advantage insurers denied prior authorization requests for admission to LTCHs and IRFs at substantially higher rates than other insurers.4 Humana, for example, denied 72 percent of IRF admission requests, while 16 smaller insurers covering Medicare Advantage beneficiaries denied an average of 41 percent of such requests. The report noted that it was “unclear why some [insurers] had denial rates that were much higher than their peers,” and that it potentially indicated that some insurers were pursuing non-standard interpretations or applications of coverage criteria for these facilities. HHS OIG has previously examined individual claims from large Medicare Advantage insurers and found that they denied post-acute care claims that would have been approved under Traditional Medicare, a potential violation of federal healthcare regulations.

The second HHS OIG report found that the largest Medicare Advantage insurers had among the highest rates of prior authorization denial for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).6 Humana denied 13.5 percent of all SNF prior authorization requests. As was the case with other insurers, almost all of those initial denials were subsequently overturned, and as HHS OIG noted, “each overturned denial represents a case in which the patient or their provider had to file an appeal to access SNF services that were medically necessary and covered by Medicare.” Research has shown that the delays associated with such needless denials are “associated with measurable patient harm.”

The data contained in these reports indicate that the disparities the Subcommittee revealed either endure or have grown worse. For example, PSI found that in 2022, Humana denied 6.3 percent of prior authorization requests for SNFs. According to HHS OIG, by June 2024 that figure had more than doubled. If extended on an annual basis, this increase would amount to thousands of additional denials of care for vulnerable seniors every year. Because of an absence of comprehensive reporting requirements, Medicare Advantage insurers are able to hide the full extent of denials of care resulting from their abuse of prior authorization. HHS OIG’s recent reports make clear that critical data reporting gaps highlighted by the Subcommittee continue to obscure the full extent of this problem.

The Subcommittee’s previous investigation followed reports that insurers had deployed artificial intelligence to limit beneficiary access to post-acute care.8 Data from PSI’s report demonstrated that denial rates for post-acute care had increased at the same time Humana and other insurers were investing in artificial intelligence and other predictive technologies used to evaluate admission requests for these facilities.9 Although each of the insurers insisted that all final denials had to come from human reviewers, the Subcommittee documented ways in which their employees may have been pressured to hew to machine-generated recommendations, and that contractors may have had greater flexibility when using predictive technologies.

As noted in a letter to your company last fall, the increasing reliance of large insurers on predictive technologies poses a profound risk for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage.10 A majority of healthcare providers believe that predictive technologies will—or already have—result in an increase in prior authorization denials.11 And the potential misuse of these technologies is likely to expand as artificial intelligence becomes further integrated into our healthcare system.

This year, the federal government is projected to spend $76 billion more to cover Medicare Advantage enrollees than it would have if these beneficiaries were enrolled in Traditional Medicare.13 Despite the Trump Administration’s promises to crack down on excesses in the program, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ latest rules for the Medicare Advantage program abandoned plans to curtail overpayments, an announcement that sent the stock prices of the largest insurers skyward.14 As Humana and others continue to deny claims at record rates and pursue lucrative technologies that threaten patient wellbeing, it is incumbent upon Congress to provide oversight of this vast expenditure of taxpayer dollars.

In order to help the Subcommittee assess the prior authorization practices of Medicare Advantage insurers, please provide the information requested below by July 28, 2026. The period covered by this request is January 1, 2023 to the present.

All records15 referring or relating to Humana’s process for authorizing or covering post-acute care or services for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, including, but not limited to, the use of any algorithm, software, or artificial intelligence to determine medical necessity, payment, or authorization.

All records referring or relating to Humana’s handling of appeals of denials of post-acute care.

A breakdown of the personnel relied upon by Humana to evaluate prior authorization requests for post-acute care by Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, including:

a. The number of employees, by year, with these responsibilities;

b. The number of contractors, by year, with these responsibilities;

c. The number of the employees and contractors identified in response to Questions 3(a) and 3(b) that are medical doctors.

The number of prior authorization requests your company has processed for admission to the following facilities, by year, from 2023 through the present:

a. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs);

b. Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs);

c. Long-term acute care hospitals (LTCHs).

For each of the facility types identified in Question 4, please also provide, on an annual basis:

a. The number of prior authorization requests that received an initial denial;

b. The number of these initial denials that were appealed;

c. The number of these appeals that were overturned by Humana.

For Medicare Advantage beneficiaries admitted to SNFs, please provide, on an annual basis:

a. The number of Notices of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNCs) provided to these enrollees;

b. The average length of stay preceding issuance of a NOMNC;

c. The number of beneficiaries who received and then appealed a NOMNC, and the share of these appeals that were successful;

d. The number of successful appeals of NOMNCs who subsequently received one or more coverage termination notices;

e. For the enrollees described in Question 6(d), the average length of time between a successful appeal of an NOMNC and the issuance of a subsequent coverage termination notice.

Organizational charts reflecting corporate structure, officers, directors, and employees.

A detailed explanation for the significant variation in denial rates between Humana and other Medicare Advantage insurers for prior authorization requests for admission to post-acute care facilities as described in the recent HHS OIG reports.

Will Humana commit to supporting CMS regulations calling for more detailed reporting by Medicare Advantage plans to require a standardized field indicating responses to requests for admission to post-acute care facilities, broken down by facility type?

Does it remain the policy of Humana that final adverse determinations for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries cannot be made by AI or other predictive technologies?

If not, please provide a detailed description of when this change was implemented, as well as copies of all documentation reflecting the change in policy.

Which AI or predictive technologies have been employed by Humana for the evaluation of patient care or the payment for patient services? Please include the name of the technology, how it is used, and any limitations on its use.

Please describe any policies implemented since October 2025 to prevent predictive technologies from unduly influencing the work of human clinicians, and provide copies of each policy.

All records reflecting any complaints received by Humana about the use of algorithms, software, or artificial intelligence.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

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Blumenthal & Murphy Applaud House Passage of Bill to Name West Haven VA Medical Center After U.S. Army Captain Paul "Bud" Bucha

[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passage of a bill to rename the West Haven VA Medical Center in honor of U.S Army Captain Paul “Bud” Bucha — a longtime resident of Ridgefield and Medal of Honor recipient, who died on July 31st, 2024.

In August 2025, just days after the first anniversary of Captain Bucha’s death, the Senate unanimously approved legislation introduced by Blumenthal and Murphy to name the West Haven VAMC in his honor. Captain Bucha received care at the West Haven VAMC after his service and notably, at the end of his life. Today, the House passed an identical bill led by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro.

"I am thrilled we are one step closer to renaming the West Haven VA Medical Center in honor of a true American hero — Captain Paul "Bud" Bucha. Our bill, which I led, honors Bud's bravery and service, and his tireless advocacy for fellow veterans. I am grateful for the strong show of support in the House, and now we must all work together to get this bill signed into law without delay,” Blumenthal said.

“From his service in Vietnam to his tenacious advocacy for veterans in Connecticut, Captain Bucha left an impact everywhere he went. He was second to none in courage, and renaming the West Haven VA Medical Center in his honor will serve as an enduring reminder and a call to action to mirror his commitment to protect others and support our veterans,” Murphy said.

Captain Bucha received the Medal of Honor in 1970 for his heroic service while on active duty during the Vietnam War. Captain Bucha distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a reconnaissance mission near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam from March 16-19, 1968. Under heavy enemy fire from about 1,500 soldiers, he fearlessly directed defenses, personally destroyed a machine-gun bunker, and sustained a shrapnel wound. Using flashlights in complete view of enemy snipers, Captain Bucha also directed the medical evacuation of three air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel. Under his leadership, D Company went on to become one of the most decorated units by the end of the war.

Captain Bucha’s dedication to serving others continued after his time in service. Bucha served as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society from 1995 to 1999, and advised President Obama on foreign policy during his 2008 Presidential campaign. He also served on the board of directors of Homes for Our Troops, a Veterans Service Organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured Post-9/11 veterans, and as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training Services at the U.S. Department of Labor.

Bucha received care for PTSD at West Haven VAMC, and received neurological care for Alzheimer’s disease there. Bucha sadly passed at West Haven VAMC in July 2024. With the assistance of the West Haven VAMC, his brain was donated to the Center for Human Brain Discovery at Yale University. Under the lawmakers’ legislation, the West Haven VAMC will be the second Department of Veterans Affairs facility named in honor of a veteran in Connecticut.

Blumenthal’s bill text is available here.

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NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Champions Water Affordability Program as Senate Considers Key Water Resources, Infrastructure Bills

“There’s no question that clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water is a basic right and is essential to public health.”

Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks.

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today participated in a Committee Business Meeting to consider the Water Resources Development Act. Senators Blunt Rochester and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) discussed the need for a program to expand affordable drinking water access.

The Water Resources Development Act passed out of committee with unanimous support.

Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here and below:

“While I support this legislation wholeheartedly, I think there is an area where it falls short, and that is meeting our country’s growing affordability crisis. Americans are seeing higher costs everywhere, from the gas pump to housing, and they shouldn’t have to choose between their groceries and utility bills.

“This is why Senator Padilla and I, with the support of utilities and community organizations, have been working on [a] water affordability program modeled after the highly successful LIHEAP program.

“Water affordability has been a mounting crisis for years, and it’s only getting worse. From aging infrastructure to higher operational cost, water rates are skyrocketing, and Americans are struggling to pay their bills. This water affordability program would provide much-needed relief to families and give our water utilities the reliable revenue stream they need for regular maintenance.

“There’s no question that clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water is a basic right and is essential to public health. Chairman Capito, I hope that you will continue to work with me and Senator Padilla on this very important effort, and I yield the remaining of my time to my colleague and partner in this very, very important work.”


NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Federal Reserve Chair Warsh on Fed Modernization

“I hope that there will be the inclusion of other voices beyond economic experts and tech individuals, but actually families, businesses, people that are both consuming and impacted by AI”

Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks.

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today questioned Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh during a hearing on the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report. This report is shared with Members of Congress to provide updates on monetary policy and economic development efforts. Senator Blunt Rochester followed up on her questions from Warsh’s confirmation hearing, seeking clarity and specificity on his strategy for Fed modernization and the Fed’s plan to protect families as AI continues to develop.

Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks can be found here, and a key excerpt can be found below:

Senator Blunt Rochester: “One of the things that you shared in your testimony was about the task forces that you have established, which I think is a really good idea. And I think the choices of things that you’re focused on, from communication to AI and the influence, all of those things are really important. On the AI [task force] in particular, I hope that there will be the inclusion of other voices beyond economic experts and tech individuals, but actually families, businesses, people that are both consuming and impacted by AI.

“If you could talk a little bit more about the makeup of that one in particular, and how you will include people both in the task force, and how you will include Main Street in your ongoing work at the Fed?”


NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Trump CDC Nominee

“I am very, very concerned that even qualified people have either had to change their positions or quit.”

Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s remarks.

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today questioned Dr. Erica Schwartz, who President Trump nominated to serve as Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to dismantle critical Health and Human Services (HHS) programs and pursue policies that contradict science-backed research, Senator Blunt Rochester questioned Dr. Schwartz on her commitment to scientific evidence and her ability to maintain independence under Secretary Kennedy.

Senator Blunt Rochester’s exchange can be found here, and a key excerpt is below:

Senator Blunt Rochester: “In January, Dr. Oz, Dr. Bhattacharya, and Dr. Makary presented a memo to then-Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neil recommending the U.S. adopt a narrower childhood vaccine schedule, based primarily on a comparison with Denmark. Do you agree with the memo’s recommendation to no longer universally recommend all 17 vaccines?”

Dr. Schwartz: “I agree with the president of the United States, who asked HHS to take a look at that memo and to find out if those recommendations are sound or if they are not sound. So, if I’m confirmed as the CDC Director, you have my commitment to take a look at that said memo to understand whether comparing to Denmark makes sense or doesn’t make sense…”


At Confirmation Hearing, Booker Presses Blanche on Independence, Epstein Survivors, and DOJ's Targeting of the President's Political Opponents

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, confronted Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal defense lawyer, during Blanche's confirmation hearing for Attorney General. Booker's questioning highlighted why Blanche cannot be trusted to run a Justice Department that answers to the Constitution and the American people instead of President Trump, his former client.

Booker: "This isn't a job interview. You've sat before this committee before. You've made promises time and time again before you got the job—first as Deputy Attorney General and now as Acting Attorney General. So this isn't a confirmation hearing. This is more of a performance review. And clearly, when it comes to the treatment of Epstein victims, when it comes to politically motivated prosecutions, when it comes to avoiding the appearance of impropriety with corporations, you failed."

Booker: "You've chosen Trump over truth” and “corporations over the Constitution."

Booker: "The attorney general's client is not the president. It's the American people. If your record and your testimony today should show us anything, it should show you, in my opinion, that you should not be confirmed to this job."


Booker, Castro Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Expand Advanced Coursework Opportunities for Underrepresented Students

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) reintroduced the Advanced Coursework Equity Act, bicameral legislation that would create a federal grant program to help states and school districts increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in advanced coursework and academic programs. The Advanced Coursework Equity Act would allow eligible schools and school districts to receive up to $60 million to implement universal screening for advanced students, expand enrollment in advanced courses, cover course fees for low-income students, train or hire teachers for advanced courses, prepare students for postsecondary STEM pathways, and create or expand related efforts.

Black, Latino, and Native American students, students from low-income families, English learners, and students with disabilities are underrepresented in advanced programs and courses. While 1 in 10 students in American schools participate in the Advanced Placement (AP) program, just over 1 in 20 low-income, Black, and Native American students participate in these courses. A low-income student with reading and math achievement levels equal to those of a high-income student is half as likely to receive gifted services.

“In classrooms across this country, there are brilliant young people whose gifts go unseen—not because they lack promise, but because opportunity never found them. Every child deserves more than a chance to learn; they deserve a real pathway to reach their fullest potential, no matter their ZIP code,” said Senator Booker.“The Advanced Coursework Equity Act gives every student a fair shot by ensuring they are identified for their potential, removing the cost barriers that keep too many from advanced coursework and AP exams, and expanding access to rigorous classes in every school—not just those in wealthier communities.”

“Students at schools with fewer resources have immense talent, and should have the same opportunity to take advanced courses as their peers in wealthier school districts,” said Congressman Castro. “The Advanced Coursework Equity Act would support schools by covering exam fees and costs to hire and train teachers, helping students reach their full potential. Too often, students in low-income districts do not have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to colleges and universities, and that needs to change.”

“Equal opportunity is about access, but right now, too many Black and Latino students are being denied access to rigorous coursework that is engaging and meets high standards. This means being denied a path to an enriching high school experience, success in higher education, and a rewarding career. The obstacles Black and Latino students face, including resource inequities and educator bias, can prevent their enrollment in advanced math and algebra in middle school and AP or IB courses in high schools. These structural barriers must be torn down and opportunity built up. That is why EdTrust is proud to endorse?the Advanced Coursework Equity Act. Led by Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Joaquin Castro, this important legislation would eliminate barriers and increase the enrollment of traditionally underserved students in advanced courses. We urge Congress to advance this bill immediately and make real the promise of education equity for our nation’s underserved students,”said Denise Forte, president and CEO of EdTrust.

"To truly unlock the potential of every student, we must remove the barriers that keep talented, underrepresented youth out of advanced classrooms. The Advanced Coursework Equity Act is a vital step forward, providing states and districts with the targeted resources needed to expand access, foster student success, and ensure that a student's background never dictates their academic trajectory. Teach Plus is proud to endorse this legislation, which builds a stronger runway for the next generation of leaders," said Kira Orange Jones, CEO of Teach Plus.

The Advanced Coursework Equity Act is endorsed by The Education Trust, All4Ed, College Board, Advance CTE, National Association for Gifted Children, Latinos for Education, National Center for Learning Disabilities, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, TeachPlus, National Rural Education Association, UnidosUS, Intercultural Development Research Association, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, National Urban League, National Educators Association and E3 Alliance.

The Advanced Coursework Equity Act is cosponsored by U.S.Senators Ben Lujan (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-CT), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).


Boozman Advances Arkansas Water Infrastructure Priorities

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, secured measures that will strengthen Arkansas water resources in legislation approved by the committee Wednesday.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 authorizes flood risk management, navigation and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in addition to reauthorizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including increasing the State Revolving Funds. The biennial bill, which passed the committee unanimously, includes multiple provisions championed by Boozman to address water infrastructure needs in The Natural State.

“Without reliable water infrastructure, communities in Arkansas and nationwide would suffer economically and face threats to public health. It underpins our country,” Boozman said. “This bipartisan bill is critical to support efforts to modernize and maintain water systems, from ports and inland waterways to drinking and wastewater access. I was pleased to secure important wins that will enhance our state’s ability to meet water needs across communities and industries.”

Boozman-authored measures in the package include:

The bipartisan Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems (FLOWS) Act that would establish a grant program for publicly owned water or treatment systems in rural or critical need areas to deploy technology that improves reliability as well as strengthens cybersecurity. The program would provide $15 million for these grants from Fiscal Years 2027-2030.

The bipartisan Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act to reauthorize and update a federal-state partnership through Water Resources Research Institutes – including the Arkansas Water Resources Center located at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville – to address local, state and regional water challenges with critical research and information sharing initiatives.

A provision to expedite the assessment necessary to determine the scope and scale of needed repairs at Dardanelle Lock and Dam at Lake Dardanelle and to support operations at Arkansas Nuclear One.

Language that enhances the partnership agreements for the Grand Prairie Region and Bayou Meto irrigation projects.

Adding the University of Arkansas as an authorized entity for partnerships with the Corps to conduct research on supply chains within the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS).

Reinforcing the importance of continued funding for MKARNS system improvements.

Requiring an update on implementation of the LAKES Act allowing Corps-managed recreation sites to reinvest a portion of on-site collected fees back into maintenance and repairs.

WRDA 2026 also incorporates a Boozman-backed effort to expand funding eligibility for projects with fire suppression benefits in high-risk rural areas, known as the Firefighting Infrastructure for Rural and Exurban Smaller Municipalities Augmenting Residential Fuels Treatments (FIRE SMART) Act.

The legislation now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

The full bill text is availablehere. A section-by-section overview is available here.


U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $2.6 Million for the City of Birmingham’s Village Creek Floodplain Restoration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations, recently directly secured $2.645 million for the City of Birmingham in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This funding will support floodplain restoration at Birmingham’s Village Creek, which has suffered flooding events for more than 50 years.

A portion of Village Creek

Village Creek—within the Black Warrior River watershed, the largest urban watershed in Alabama—runs 44 miles through the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County. The Village Creek floodplain constitutes 53 percent of Birmingham’s Special Flood Hazard Area, with water levels capable of rising at a rate of three feet per hour. Neighborhoods, commercial buildings, and critical facilities along the creek are at a high risk of flooding, with properties sometimes flooding several times per year. Since 1970, flooding has caused more than 17 federally declared disasters, tens of millions of dollars have been spent on flood recovery, and more than 30,000 structures have been impacted.

“For decades, the City of Birmingham has worked to restore the Village Creek floodplain and implement a long-term solution to flooding. The more than $2.6 million I secured in FY26 Homeland Appropriations funding will significantly advance these efforts, particularly by reducing flooding during major storm events in Ensley and ensure residents and their communities remain safe. This funding is a critical and commonsense investment in floodplain restoration to mitigate storm damage, strengthen local infrastructure resilience, and improve the quality of life for Alabamians in the floodplain area for generations to come,” said Senator Britt.

The funding secured by Senator Britt will advance ongoing efforts to restore the Village Creek floodplain, reduce volume of stormwater flow into the creek, and reduce flooding in surrounding communities, including Ensley where its neighborhoods have dealt with flooding for decades. Additionally, it will improve transportation, remove flooding risks to motorists, and improve access to businesses throughout the area.

“Every investment in flood mitigation is an investment in our neighborhoods, our families, and Birmingham’s future. This funding for the Village Creek Stormwater Park Floodplain Restoration project will help us build a more resilient city while creating environmental and recreational benefits for generations to come. We appreciate the support of our congressional delegation, and I especially want to thank Senator Katie Britt for her efforts to help secure these resources for Birmingham. Partnerships like these make a real difference for our residents,” said City of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.

In total, Senator Britt directly secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security appropriations funding.

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U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Eric Schmitt, Colleagues Launch Anti-Fraud Task Force, Send Letter Applauding Trump Administration Efforts, Offer Senate Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), along with seven of their Senate colleagues, recently announced the launch of a new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force. The task force will examine fraud, waste, and abuse across federal programs, identify vulnerabilities in existing systems, and strengthen government accountability to ensure the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

“No Administration has been more committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse than the Trump Administration. I’m proud to join this effort in the Senate and work alongside the White House to eliminate fraud across the federal government. Americans deserve a government that is transparent, honest, and accountable, and this Anti-Fraud Task Force will help ensure taxpayer dollars are protected and public trust is restored,” said Senator Britt upon the launch of the task force.

“The fraud epidemic burdening our country is one of the most pressing issues facing Americans today. It’s organized theft on a national scale, and the Americans paying the price are the ones swinging the hammer and driving the trucking working their tails off to make ends meet. The fraudsters taking advantage of America’s generosity to the tune of billions and billions of dollars should be exposed and held accountable. Our Task Force will go after the fraud rings and bad actors exploiting our systems and robbing Americans. Following President Trump’s lead, we’re declaring war on fraud,” said Senator Schmitt.

Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are also supporters of the task force.

Last week, the task force sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald commending the Trump Administration’s anti-fraud efforts and requesting information to help Congress support and strengthen those initiatives moving forward.

In their letter, the Senators wrote, “We commend President Trump for the decisive action taken to establish the National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) and the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Fraud is theft from hardworking American families, and Vice President Vance’s leadership as ‘Fraud Czar’ sends the right signal: this administration will no longer tolerate billions in organized theft from taxpayers through welfare programs, election schemes, contractor abuse, federally funded nonprofits, or elite institutions. The Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force is especially concerned with fraud schemes that undermine the constitutional foundations of self-government: honest elections, lawful citizenship, equal enforcement of federal law, federal-state cooperation, and Congress’s ability to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent consistent with law.”

“Since taking office, the Trump-Vance Administration has made clear that fraud enforcement is once again a federal priority. The Task Force and NFED have driven the recovery of nearly $1 billion in misused taxpayer dollars through aggressive enforcement actions across the country, including major takedowns of welfare and entitlement scams that clawed back hundreds of millions from fraudulent SNAP, Medicaid, and housing claims. Vice President Vance’s spotlight on sponsored-immigrant benefit fraud has dismantled several high-dollar networks, while election-related prosecutions and voter-roll cleanups have secured convictions in interstate schemes. Particularly noteworthy are the swift actions against Minnesota-style operations. Large-scale, coordinated fraud networks involving daycare centers, nonprofits, and entitlement programs in Minneapolis that potentially diverted hundreds of millions, if not billions in federal funds. By targeting these interstate models head-on, the Task Force has sent a powerful message that no jurisdiction or network is above the law, delivering real money back to American taxpayers and protecting programs meant for working families. These tangible wins prove that America First enforcement works. The Task Force has already shown it will serve and protect the American people from fraudsters,” the senators continued.

You can read the full text of the letter here.

Senator Britt has long supported eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the federal government and has applauded steps taken by the President Trump and his administration to protect American taxpayer dollars. She supports bipartisan legislation such as the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act and continues to work with Administration officials to hold criminals accountable for targeting taxpayer-funded programs.

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U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Colleagues Urge Secretary Brooke Rollins to Purchase Surplus Catfish Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and several of their Senate colleagues recently endorsed a request made by the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase surplus catfish products.

In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Senators asked Secretary Rollins to approve a request to purchase U.S. farm-raised catfish products through the Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Program. Senators Britt and Hyde-Smith were joined by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in sending the letter.

“The industry’s USDA Section 32 purchase request would provide needed relief by providing essential cash flow to farmers to help alleviate the severe financial strain imposed by inflationary pressures. USDA purchases of catfish would provide immediate relief and enable 2026 fish crops to be harvested and processed, while also supporting rural communities and providing nutritious, American-grown product to families, children, and those in need,” the Senators wrote.

The Senators’ letter stresses the importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish producers to their states, with nearly $2.0 billion in economic output and more than 9,100 direct and indirect jobs affected by “a crisis of economic sustainability.” In Alabama, the catfish industry accounts for around 33% of all farm-raised catfish in the nation, employing more than 2,400 people, and contributing nearly $92 million to the state’s economy.

“The industry has been caught in a severe inflationary squeeze, particularly from 2023 to the present, fundamentally altering its production economics. This pressure has consistently driven the cost of producing U.S. farm-raised catfish above the prices farmers receive for their fish, leading to three continuous years of negative financial returns,” the Senators wrote. “The industry’s rising costs are dominated by the increasing expenses of key inputs, especially feed and energy, which represent the backbone of catfish farming operations.”

Section 32 is a permanently authorized program that allows the USDA to make emergency purchases of surplus U.S. commodities for distribution to domestic food assistance programs. The program is funded through 30 percent of the previous year’s customs receipts collected by the U.S. government from imported products.

The letter is a continuation of advocacy by the Senators to include farm-raised catfish, Gulf shrimp, and other commodities included in USDA Section 32 decisions.

Senator Britt is proud to support the U.S. catfish industry and has consistently fought to protect domestic catfish markets by encouraging the purchase of surplus catfish products. Senator Britt is also a strong supporter of the Cormorant Relief Act, to allow catfish farmers to fight predatory cormorant populations.

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Capito Delivers Key Wins for West Virginia in Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led the EPW Committee in unanimously passing the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. The WRDA 2026 bill includes wins for all fifty states, including significant benefits for West Virginia’s water infrastructure.

The Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). WRDA 2026 also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including the State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The bill supports locally driven projects that also deliver regional and national benefits, including strengthening our nation’s global competitiveness and supply chain, helping communities manage flood risk, and more.

“This bipartisan legislation will have an incredible impact on West Virginia and our state’s water resources infrastructure. The Army Corps’ critical work is essential to managing flood risk and improving drinking and wastewater facilities across West Virginia. The EPA’s water infrastructure programs also help improve access to clean and safe drinking water in communities statewide. I am very pleased to share these wins that WRDA 2026 will deliver for our state, and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this legislation in action,” said Chairman Capito.

WEST VIRGINIA WINS SECURED BY CAPITO:

Supporting Flood Control and Prevention Efforts, Ecosystem Restoration:

Adjusts the cost-share for any future projects in West Virginia that are identified by the feasibility study for flood risk management in the Upper Guyandotte River Basin reducing financial burden for vulnerable communities.

Authorizes new feasibility studies to address flood risk for communities in West Virginia.

Establishes a new program for the Corps to assist with small projects for debris removal within streams in West Virginia.

Reaffirms how the Corps should carry out the Section 202 program, preserving Congress's original intent to provide comprehensive flood risk reduction for eligible southern West Virginia communities.

Reforms the Continuing Authorities Programs (CAP) to expedite the delivery of small projects for flood risk management, emergency streambank protection, and aquatic ecosystem restoration.

Urges the Corps to expedite completion of studies/projects in:

Kanawha River Basin: feasibility study for flood risk management

Upper Guyandotte River Basin: feasibility study for flood risk management

Milton, WV: project for flood risk management

Hinton, WV – Bluestone Dam: project for dam safety modifications

Enhancing Assistance for Environmental Infrastructure Projects:

Increases the authorized funding level for the Corps’ Section 340 and Section 571 environmental infrastructure programs, which support drinking water and wastewater projects across West Virginia.

Expedites the environmental review process for projects funded under these programs.

Strengthening the Corps’ Authorities to Address Water Resource Infrastructure Needs:

Improves efficiency of reviews under the Corps’ 408 program and directs the Corps to regularly brief Congress on the status of the rulemaking for that program.

Provides direction to the Corps to improve the cost estimates for and design of projects and establishes a preconstruction planning, engineering, and design account for the Corps.

Improves authorities for non-federal interests to receive credit and reimbursement or contribute funds for projects to increase transparency and accelerate project delivery.

Enhances the Corps’ outreach and education authority by including real estate and leasing authorities of the Corps.

Directs the Secretary to ensure that Corps’ databases on recreational sites are consistent and compatible with similar databases from other federal agencies.

Increasing Authorized Funding for West Virginia’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs:

Increases the clean water and drinking water SRF authorizations, which will increase the Federal water infrastructure investment in West Virginia.

Allows West Virginia to prioritize how to spend Federal SRF dollars to maintain and build essential infrastructure to provide critical water and sanitation services, while expanding permissible SRF uses to address PFAS contamination or for lead service line removal projects.

Supporting Efforts to Improve West Virginia’s Water Systems’ Resilience to Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities:

Makes small water systems, like those found in West Virginia, eligible to receive grant money to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Encourages the EPA to partner with university programs with established water cybersecurity programs, like Marshall’s Institute for Cybersecurity, which will enable the program to further assist small water systems in WV and across the country.

Expanding Investment in Workforce Development:

Triples the authorized funding levels for the EPA’s Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program.

Water and wastewater systems – including those in West Virginia – are facing significant workforce challenges. This program will work to ensure that West Virginia and the nation have enough skilled system operators trained to face today’s challenges and serve a role that is incredibly important to American’s health and daily lives.

The bill text is availablehere.

A section-by-section overview of the bill is available here.

An overview of West Virginia wins is available here.

An overview of national WRDA wins is available here.

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EPW Committee Passes Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee voted unanimously to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 introduced by Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).

The Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation that authorizes flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The bill authorizes 61 feasibility studies and 15 new or modified construction projects across the country. WRDA 2026 also reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including the State Revolving Funds (SRFs).

“WRDA 2026 is an incredible bipartisan achievement that will strengthen water resources infrastructure and increase access to clean and safe drinking water nationwide. I look forward to the impact this bill will have on my home state of West Virginia as it supports flood risk management efforts, restores ecosystems, strengthens cybersecurity for critical water systems, and provides vital funding for water infrastructure projects across our state. I am proud to see this legislation move forward with strong bipartisan support,” said Chairman Capito.

“The advancement of this significant package of legislation demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure. The Ocean State stands to benefit much from this bill, which support investments in safe drinking water and wastewater systems as well as flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse.

Click here to view the bill text.

Click here to view a section-by-section overview of the bill.

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