U.S. Senator Katie Britt Highlights Affordability Focus, Taxpayer-Funded Housing Oversight, Safe Financial Innovation in Senate Banking Nomination Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chair of the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee, attended a nomination hearing to question Mr. John Crews, nominee to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), Dr. Christopher Phelan, nominee to Chair the Council of Economic Advisors, and Mr. Jeffrey Ledbetter to serve as Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Senator Britt addressed her first question to Mr. Crews: “As financial services continue to evolve and credit unions are adopting new technologies to make sure that they’re meeting their customers’ needs, expanding their digital offerings, and serving increasingly diverse communities in different places, how are you going to make sure that you keep them safe … that you’re giving them the most up to date technology that allows them to meet the needs in front of them, but that we’re doing it in a way that it remains safe and sound and well positioned for the future?”

Mr. Crews responded: “I think you’re absolutely right to highlight this issue. Consumers expect and need new and innovative financial services products, including new technology. When it comes to credit unions, many of them are uniquely small and have limited resources. And because of that, they often work together to access some of these services. From my perspective, at NCUA, we need to support their efforts to … adapt with technological innovation. But absolutely, that is a risk factor. Cyber risk is a serious threat.”

The Senator then questioned Mr. Ledbetter on efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in taxpayer-funded housing assistance programs: “HUD administers billions of dollars … across housing assistance and community development homelessness programs. I certainly believe in being able to help people get back on their feet and find their pathway to the American Dream. What we have seen, though, has been a lot of bloat in certain areas with inefficiencies. Look, if you’re confirmed as inspector general, what would your priorities be for ensuring that these taxpayer dollars that people work really hard for are being used wisely and efficiently, that we are rooting out where there is waste, fraud, and abuse, so that the people who do need help, we still have the resources to be able to do that?”

Mr. Ledbetter responded, saying, “If confirmed, I would look forward to first meeting with the professional staff at HUD and learning the people and the programs and continuing the good work that they’ve been doing. And then once I … accomplish the first 90 to 180 days, if there’s room for improvement that, those are the things we will look at …”

In her last line of questioning, Senator Britt discussed her priority of addressing affordability concerns with Dr. Phelan: “… [F]amilies across Alabama and our country … continue to cite affordability as obviously one of the top concerns, whether that’s housing or whether that’s childcare or groceries or energy costs. What are the most important factors driving affordability challenges today, in your opinion, and what policies do you believe can expand economic opportunity for citizens and improve (the) standard of living for people in the state of Alabama?”

Mr. Phelan responded, “I firmly believe that the best policy for affordability is a good job. A good job with good wages and good benefits, and I would … advocate for policies or advise policies which make that most likely to happen.”

You can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.

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Capito, Shaheen Urge USTR to Include American Hardwood Lumber in U.S.-China Trade Framework

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of U.S. Senators and Representatives, in a new letter urging United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to explicitly include American hardwood lumber within the recently established U.S.-China Board of Trade. Representatives GT Thompson (R-Pa.-15) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.-03) led the letter in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We write to urge the Administration to include American hardwood lumber in the framework for the newly formed U.S.-China Board of Trade and to ensure that any Chinese procurement commitments include American hardwood lumber, not logs, so that domestic lumber manufacturing is not undercut by China. The American hardwood lumber industry is vital to our states and the U.S. economy overall, supporting sawmills, loggers and rural economies across the country. We believe that if the Board of Trade focuses on hardwood lumber, it can provide much needed economic relief for domestic lumber manufacturers and support communities that depend on a competitive American hardwood industry,” the members wrote.

“The cumulative cost of lost market access is estimated at $9.882 billion in foregone sales. This loss in sales led to a massive decline in production; domestic hardwood lumber production has dropped 48.3 percent since 2018, capacity was down 6 percent between 2020 and 2022 and output in the first quarter of 2025 declined 19 percent from 2024,” the members continued.

“Historically, China has accounted for roughly 25% of U.S. hardwood lumber production, and restoring this relationship is essential to communities in our states and across the county. We support the Administration’s interest supporting American manufacturing and request that USTR to take the following steps: explicitly include American hardwood lumber in the Board of Trade framework; include American hardwood lumber – not logs – in China’s $17 billion procurement commitment; and include enforceable compliance mechanisms with measurable targets specific to hardwood lumber and regularly review hardwood lumber purchases at the Board of Trade to ensure actual purchases are made,” the members concluded.

Full text of the letter can be found here.

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Cortez Masto, Rosen Celebrate $1 Million in Federal Funding for Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s Air Unit

North Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) visited the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s (LVMPD) Air Support Unit to celebrate the $1 million in federal funding they secured for the unit in the FY2026 government funding law. LVMPD is the only agency in Southern Nevada with a full-scale manned helicopter unit, which assists with routine patrols, search & rescue operations, and security for big events.

“The men and women of LVMPD put their lives on the line to protect our families – it’s my job to deliver for them at the federal level,”said Senator Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured $1 million to help Metro secure our skies, protect large-scale events, and continue search-and-rescue operations. I’ll never stop fighting to provide Nevada’s law enforcement officers with the tools, resources, and funding they need to keep our communities safe.”

“The Las Vegas Metro Police Department works overtime to keep Clark County safe – protecting major events and the tourists that come to visit Southern Nevada,” said Senator Rosen. “The Air Support Unit is the only one of its kind in Southern Nevada, and is one of LVMPD’s critical tools for patrolling the skies. I am proud we were able to secure this federal funding for our law enforcement, and I promise to continue prioritizing safety across Nevada.

Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have worked across party lines to ensure Nevada gets its fair share of funding. They recently secured more than $35.6 million for essential services in rural counties in Nevada and have in recent years secured millions of dollars for law enforcement throughout the state.

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Cortez Masto Secures Over $6 Million in Funding for Affordable Housing in Nevada

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) applauded news that that the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) of San Francisco has awarded $6.2 million in funding to help build affordable housing units throughout Nevada. Senator Cortez Masto has consistently encouraged the FHLBank of San Francisco to invest in housing for Nevadans, and she is proud to have secured these Affordable Housing Program Nevada Targeted Fund grants to create or preserve 218 housing units across six projects.

“Every family in Nevada deserves to have a safe, affordable place to call home. This critical funding gets us one step closer to achieving that goal,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I look forward continuing to work with Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco to invest in communities throughout the Silver State.”

“We are proud to support projects that strengthen communities and increase access to stable, affordable housing throughout Nevada,” said Tom Dapice, community investment officer at FHLBank San Francisco. “Through our collaboration with Senator Cortez Masto, our member financial institutions, and affordable housing developers across the state, these grants will help create and preserve affordable homes for Nevada families, seniors, and other residents who need them most.”

Recently, the FHLBank of San Francisco has been making historic investments in affordable housing throughout Nevada. This year, the FHLBank invested 20 percent of its income in affordable housing and other voluntary programs, double the required 10 percent. In addition to these six grants, the FHLBank also invested $27 million in Nevada Housing Division bonds so far this year. It has also provided Nevadans more than five million dollars in grants for downpayment assistance and Tribal investments. Senator Cortez Masto will continue to collaborate with her partners at the FHLBank and its members and stakeholders to increase the supply of homes available to working Nevadans.

More detailed information about the projects receiving the FHLBank funding can be found hereand here.

For years, Senator Cortez Masto has encouraged the nation’s 11 FHLBanks use their resources to invest in housing and community development. Following her push, banks, credit unions, state housing finance agencies, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and other similar organizations have sought more opportunities to benefit from this government-sponsored enterprise. Thanks to Cortez Masto’s efforts, the FHLBanks have invested more than 90 million dollars in affordable housing in Nevada. Cortez Masto has also introduced legislation to enable CDFIs and credit unions to finance more community development investments.

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Cramer Delivers Remarks at Broadband Association of North Dakota’s Conference

BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined broadband providers and industry leaders at the Broadband Association of North Dakota’s Summer Conference today, highlighting North Dakota’s position as a national leader in expanding high-speed internet access and its path toward becoming the first state in the nation with universal broadband coverage.

Addressing attendees in Bismarck, Cramer credited years of strategic investment in fiber infrastructure—stretching back to his days serving on the Public Service Commission—for bringing reliable, high-speed internet to communities across the state. Today, an estimated 95% of North Dakota households—including nearly 80% of farms—have access to broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps, while nearly 70% can access gig-speed fiber service.

“Thank you for being part of this association, and congratulations on nearing 100 percent broadband connectivity across North Dakota,” said Cramer. “Your leadership has created a culture that embraces innovation, and your vision and foresight have helped make our state a national model for broadband expansion.”

The conference brought together telecommunications providers, innovators, policymakers, and industry partners to discuss the future of broadband infrastructure, emerging technologies, and efforts to ensure every North Dakotan has access to reliable, high-speed internet.


HHS Announces More Than $4.7 Million in Grants to North Dakota Recipients

BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced eight grant awards totaling $4,778,002 for projects related to maternal and child health, mental health services, nursing education, and biomedical research in North Dakota. The funding will be distributed as follows:

$1,012,517 to the University of North Dakota for biomedical research regarding disease epigenomics.

$763,614 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians under the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.

$738,154 to Sanford Bismarck to support work under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program.

$734,608 to the University of North Dakota to support the North Dakota Rural and Tribal Suicide Care Project.

$519,914 to the Spirit Lake Tribe to support work under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program.

$396,925 to the University of North Dakota to support the Recruitment/Retention of American Indians Into Nursing (RAIN) Program.

$362,500 to North Dakota State University to advance biomedical research through a project examining the co-evolutionary dynamics between transposable elements and their hosts.

$249,770 to the Turtle Mountain Tribe to support the Turtle Mountain Native Connections program, strengthening community mental health services.


Sens. Cruz, Lankford File Amicus Brief Defending Religious Liberty in Supreme Court School Choice Case

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, and James Lankford (R-Okla.) were joined by six Senators and 35 Representatives in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional rights of faith-based schools participating in school choice programs. The brief warns that allowing the Tenth Circuit’s decision to stand could undermine Congress’s tax credit scholarship program established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Excerpts from the amicus brief are below, and the full text of the brief can be viewed here.

“Many Members of Congress have championed school choice and been longtime advocates of religious liberty. That is why Congress passed the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) last year to provide taxpayers with a means to fund scholarships for children to attend and receive services at public, private secular, or religious schools. Congress enacted ECCA to maximize choice and religious freedom for Americans throughout the country.

“If states like Colorado can attach nondiscrimination conditions to universal preschool programs that effectively exclude religious schools from the benefit program without violating the Free Exercise Clause, then states can attach nondiscrimination conditions to ECCA participation to effectively exclude religious schools. Indeed, states like Vermont have already attached such conditions to ECCA participation. Such state-imposed limitations will jeopardize Congress's landmark education scholarship program—the latest in a long line of Congressional actions that bolster school choice and support religious liberty. Congress enacted ECCA to provide choices to families and to advance religious liberty, not religious discrimination.

“The Free Exercise Clause prohibits government-driven religious discrimination. In Colorado, the government disapproved of Petitioners’ religion and excluded them from a public preschool program for which they otherwise qualified. Should Colorado’s end run around this Court’s Free Exercise Clause jurisprudence be allowed to stand, the tactics employed by that state will not end in Colorado preschools. Efforts are already underway in Vermont, Colorado, and elsewhere to impose similar nondiscrimination requirements with the goal of excluding religious schools from ECCA, a program Congress specifically built to include them.”

Joining Sens. Cruz and Lankford in filing this amicus brief were Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.); and Representatives Tim Walberg (R-Mich.-05), Robert B. Aderholt (R-Ala.-04), Rick W. Allen (R-Ga.-12), Tom Barrett (R-Mich.-07), Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.-05), Aaron Bean (R-Fla.-04), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.-05), Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.-03), Mike Bost (R-Ill.-12), Jeff Crank (R-Colo.-05), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.-19), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.-08), Randy Fine (R-Fla.-06), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.-05), H. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.-09), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.-06), Mark Harris (R-N.C.-08), Clay Higgins (R-La.-03), Julia Letlow (R-La.-05), John McGuire (R-Va.-05), Mark Messmer (R-Ind.-08), Mary Miller (R-Ill.-15), John Moolenaar (R-Mich.-02), Riley M. Moore (R-W.Va.-02), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.-05), Bob Onder (R-Mo.-03), Burgess Owens (R-Utah-04), August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), John Rose (R-Tenn.-06), Michael A. Rulli (R-Ohio-06), John Rutherford (R-Fla.-05), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.-03), Chris Smith (R-N.J.-04), Daniel Webster (R-Fla.-11), and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.-02).


Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Corner Market & Greenhouse

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Corner Market & Greenhouse of Fayette County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“Corner Market and Greenhouse is an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies their un-be-leaf-able American entrepreneurial spirit by generously planting roots in the community through flower donations and greenhouse tours,” said Chair Ernst. “For over three decades, Paul and Linda have built the business from the ground up, branching out, and pruning away inefficiency by modernizing their greenhouses with cutting-edge agricultural technology.”

Founded in 1994 by Paul and Linda Manske to provide families with a community-focused store to meet every gardening need, Corner Market & Greenhouse has grown to become a beloved local institution within the Oelwein community. The business is renowned for its small-town hospitality and big-city variety. For 32 years, Paul and Linda Manske have worked to bring every Iowan’s backyard to life, carrying seasonal flowers, plants, and décor.

Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.

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Fischer Applauds $22M Grant for Gage County Infrastructure Improvement

Comes after Fischer secured over $4.7 million for project last year and urged Transportation Secretary to award the grant

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) awarding of a $22.6 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to Gage County for Clatonia-DeWitt Road and Hickory Road improvements.

“This project is important to the safety of travelers along the highway and will help the local ag industry move their products,” Fischer said. “I was proud to take the hard work of our local leaders to Secretary Duffy and convince DOT of the immediate need for this investment.”

Emily Haxby, Gage County Supervisor, said, “We are incredibly excited to receive this BUILD grant. Thank you to our community volunteers, the public, the NDOT Infrastructure Hub, and Nebraska's federal delegation for helping make this project possible. This award shows what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal partners work together.”

Background

This BUILD grant funding will be used for roadway improvements and bridge replacements on Clatonia-DeWitt Road and Hickory Road. Clatonia-DeWitt Road begins in Clatonia, Nebraska, travels south on SW 100th Road, then west on W Chestnut Road to DeWitt, Nebraska. Hickory Road provides a connection between U.S. Highway 77 and Nebraska Highway 103.

Fischer secured $4,733,354 for the project in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill.

In February of this year, Fischer wrote to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy urging DOT to award Gage County a BUILD grant.

See the DOT announcement here and a full list of grant awards here.


Gillibrand, Colleagues Press Hegseth On Pentagon Gutting Civilian Protection Efforts Amid War In Iran

Pentagon’s independent watchdog found that Trump administration defunded and blocked reforms to protect civilians during war, potentially violating federal law

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, joined nine other members of Congress in pressing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) defunding and deprioritizing of programs that prevent and respond to civilian harm in war. The letter follows a new report by the DoD Inspector General (DoD IG), which found that under Hegseth’s leadership, DoD has potentially violated the law and put service members and civilians at risk. It also follows reports of recent U.S. military strikes that hit Iranian water treatment facilities, which impacted thousands of civilians’ access to drinking water.

“Secretary Hegseth gutting our military’s ability to prevent harm to civilians demonstrates blatant carelessness and a severe lack of the moral fitness his position demands,” said Senator Gillibrand. “His incompetent leadership has endangered our troops, jeopardized our national security and threatened civilian lives. I will not stop fighting until the Trump administration fully restores the programs and public servants that mitigate civilian harm.”

In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), as well as Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA).

“The Trump administration’s military adventurism overseas, combined with its obvious disregard for civilians, do not make the American people or our service members safer. We [] request clarification about the steps the Department is taking to address these deficiencies and to protect civilians in line with the Department’s strategic, legal, and moral obligations,” wrote the lawmakers.

In May, the DoD IG released a review of DoD’s implementation of its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which outlined critical steps to prevent, mitigate, and respond to civilian harm. The DoD IG’s report found that the Trump administration may have violated federal law by defunding and blocked civilian protection efforts.

The DoD IG report confirms that all of the objectives of the plan – including training for assessing and investigating civilian harm – are “at risk” under Hegseth’s leadership. The report also found that the Trump administration’s failure to implement the plan means DoD is failing to comply with congressionally-mandated obligations to protect civilians during armed conflict.

“These revelations make real the concerns that we have previously raised about your complete ‘disregard for the strategic, legal, and moral imperative to minimize civilian harm,’” the lawmakers said.

During the DoD IG’s investigation, the Joint Staff and combatant commands warned that eliminating CHMR funding and personnel “harms readiness” and “increases risk to military personnel and objectives and mission success.”

“The Department’s failure to implement the CHMR-AP has profound consequences for civilians in conflict zones and makes service members’ jobs harder and riskier,” the lawmakers continued.

The report also revealed that DoD failed to cooperate with the office’s investigation, including by blocking investigators’ attempts to observe an implementation meeting and withholding access to DoD’s implementation tracking tools.

The lawmakers pressed Secretary Hegseth to explain DoD’s failure to implement civilian protection policies, account for changes in resourcing and staffing for civilian protection efforts, explain what DoD is doing to comply with federal law requiring civilian protection policies and institutions, and provide any analysis DoD has done on the impact of recent strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran.

Senator Gillibrand continues to fight to ensure the U.S. military protects civilians, particularly during President Trump’s war in Iran. She previously joined her colleagues in opening an investigation into Secretary Hegseth’s role in dismantling the military’s civilian harm prevention programs, which he gutted ahead of a war that has reportedly killed more than 1,700 civilians. After a U.S. strike destroyed an Iranian girls’ elementary school, she demanded a bipartisan investigation and pressed Hegseth and top military leaders for answers on how the target was chosen. Additionally, she introduced the Secure and Accountable Military AI Act to keep human commanders in control of life-and-death decisions and ban AI from choosing lethal targets.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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Grassley Welcomes Over $71 Million in Federal Funding to Replace Iowa Bridges and Improve Highway Safety

BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed news that over $71 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is headed to communities across Iowa to replace numerous bridges and improve efficiency and safety on roadways. The projects will benefit Iowans traveling in Black Hawk, Boone, Butler, Clinton, Humboldt, Jackson, Lucas, Sioux and Johnson Counties. Funding will be administered through DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, which was reauthorized as part of the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“Iowa families rely on our bridges and roads to travel safely and bring their farm and manufacturing goods to market. Unfortunately, too many of those bridges and roadways are in need of repair. I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law to fix this problem, and that’s why I’m glad to see this money flowing to replace bridges and bolster infrastructure in communities across our state. By reauthorizing the BUILD program, this law continues to deliver for our state and ensure communities can stay connected and keep our economy moving,” Grassley said.

Details on the DOT awards follow:

Avenue of the Saints Rural Safety and Freight Mobility Project

Applicant: Iowa Department of Transportation

Locality: Black Hawk County

Description: $24,000,000 to convert the current at-grade signalized intersection at Iowa Highway 58 (IA 58) and Greenhill Road into a “double-teardrop” roundabout interchange, with IA 58 passing under Greenhill Road. The project also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant crosswalks with rectangular rapid flashing beacons, lighting, noise barriers and reconstructed stormwater and detention infrastructure.

Critical Connections: Strengthening Iowa's Link in the National Supply Chain

Lead Applicant: Butler County

Counties Benefiting: Boone, Butler, Clinton, Humboldt, Jackson, Lucas and Sioux Counties

Description: $24,000,000 to fund the construction phase to replace seven bridge structures in Boone, Butler, Clinton, Humboldt, Jackson, Lucas and Sioux Counties.

Burlington Street Bridge: Building Better Connections Project

Applicant: City of Iowa City

Locality: Johnson County

Description: $23,481,600 to replace two aging, deficient Iowa River crossings on Highway 1 with a single multimodal bridge and associated intersection, roadway and active transportation upgrades.


Law Enforcement and Retail Industry Leaders Call on Congress to Pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act Through the NDAA

BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Law enforcement organizations and retail industry leaders – including Amazon, The Home Depot, Ulta Beauty, American Eagle Outfitters, UPS and DHL – are calling on Congress to advance the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act as part of the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, led by U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), was filed as an amendment to the NDAA as part of a bipartisan package offered by Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to reduce violent crime.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish a multi-agency response to organized retail crime, which affects American consumers and businesses nationwide. The legislation would create a centralized task force in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to combat organized retail crime, while establishing new tools to recover stolen goods and enhance coordination between retail industry representatives and law enforcement.

The commonsense proposal, cosponsored by 47 bipartisan senators and overwhelmingly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, has garnered massive support from leaders at the national and local levels, including 38 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations and a coalition of over 260 impacted businesses.

Here’s what they’re saying:

Amazon, Vice President of Public Policy Brian Huseman:

"Amazon supports the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. Including CORCA in NDAA is critical to establish a national coordination center, combining expertise and resources from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and retail industry representatives to build stronger cases to hold these criminal rings accountable. CORCA goes to the heart of the issue by creating a national structure to investigate and prosecute bad actors. Through continued collaboration with law enforcement worldwide, Amazon remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting organized retail crime wherever it occurs."

The Home Depot, Vice President of Asset Protection Scott Glenn:

“This is a significant milestone in a long journey to protect our people and our communities. Organized retail crime isn't petty shoplifting—it is theft for greed, heavily orchestrated by sophisticated criminal enterprises that operate across state and national lines. As these criminal networks have grown more brazen, our absolute priority remains the safety of our associates and customers. By attaching CORCA to the NDAA, Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin and Senator Cortez Masto are delivering on much needed law enforcement tools urgently needed to disrupt these groups and shut down the resale of stolen goods. We urge Congress to keep this momentum moving and finally pass this bipartisan bill into law.”

Ulta Beauty, Senior Vice President of Asset Protection Dan Petrousek:

“Organized retail crime is not solely a retail issue – it is a community safety issue that is best addressed through a coordinated response. Ulta Beauty has been a longstanding supporter of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act because it would strengthen collaboration and information sharing among law enforcement agencies and help combat criminal networks operating across jurisdictions. We view CORCA’s advancement as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act as a constructive step toward creating safer environments for retail associates, guests and communities.”

American Eagle Outfitters, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer Scott McBride:

“Transnational criminal organizations are orchestrating large-scale retail thefts and poly-criminal activities that inflict both economic damage and physical violence on our communities. By securing the inclusion of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act in the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress is taking a decisive, powerful step to dismantle these illicit networks. This critical legislation provides the necessary tools to protect American businesses, safeguard our frontline workers, and ultimately, help protect every American. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Senate Judiciary Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin for their steadfast leadership, as well as members in the U.S. House for their vital bipartisan support of CORCA.”

UPS, President of Global Public Affairs Michael Kiely:

“UPS applauds the advancement of the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act as part of the NDAA, a decisive step to protect and strengthen the flow of commerce throughout our nation’s supply chain from rail to road to retail.”

DHL, Head of Corporate Public Affairs Americas Roger Libby:

"DHL applauds Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin for advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act as part of the FY2027 NDAA. Organized retail crime poses a growing threat to supply chains, businesses, and the employees who keep commerce moving. This bipartisan legislation will strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, improve coordination with the private sector, and help disrupt the sophisticated international criminal networks that drive these crimes. We urge Congress to enact CORCA and take an important step toward protecting American businesses, workers, and consumers."

The National Association of Attorneys General:

“On behalf of the bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general and territories that urged congressional action on organized retail crime, the National Association of Attorneys General welcomes the inclusion of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act within the National Defense Authorization Act. Organized retail crime affects communities across the country and requires a coordinated response among law enforcement agencies at all levels of government. Advancing CORCA will strengthen information sharing and collaboration among federal, state, local, Tribal and territorial partners and enhance efforts to bring organized criminal enterprises to justice.”

The National District Attorneys Association, Executive Director Nelson Bunn:

“The NDAA strongly supports the bipartisan package lead by Senate Judiciary Chair Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin to advance legislation that will keep our communities safe as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. NDAA strongly supports the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) and has testified twice this congress in favor of the bill. CORCA would improve the federal response to organized retail crime and provide prosecutors the necessary tools to dismantle organized crime rings. Collectively this package addresses several of NDAA’s top legislative priorities and we urge it to be included in this year’s [National] Defense Authorization Act.”

The National Insurance Crime Bureau, President and CEO David J. Glawe:

“The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) strongly supports the advancement of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Today’s cargo theft schemes are often carried out by sophisticated crime rings and serve as vectors for transnational criminal activity, including drug and weapons trafficking and terrorism. These stolen goods also lead to pain for businesses and consumers alike through higher prices. CORCA will provide the critical reforms necessary to improve information-sharing, coordinate law enforcement capabilities and confront interstate and transnational organized theft. NICB applauds Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin and urges the passage of this important legislation.”

The Major County Sheriffs of America, Executive Director Megan Noland:

“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports efforts to combat organized retail and supply chain crime, and we appreciate the strong bipartisan support behind this legislation. By strengthening federal tools to investigate and prosecute organized criminal networks and improving coordination and information sharing across all levels of law enforcement, this bill is an important step toward addressing a growing public safety threat. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to advance this important legislation.”

The National Retail Federation, Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French:

“NRF applauds the continued leadership from Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on seeking paths for passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. CORCA overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives on a strong bipartisan vote. We believe adding the bill to the National Defense Authorization Act is the right approach since organized retail crime (ORC) and supply chain theft have clear connections to transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. economy. ORC remains a priority issue for NRF members, especially as we see a continued rise in violence tied to these crimes which threaten retail workers and customers. We urge the Senate to accept the amendment and pass the bill.”

The American Trucking Association, President and CEO Chris Spear:

“Cargo theft is an escalating national security threat. The federal response has failed to keep pace, leaving a dangerous gap that transnational criminal organizations are exploiting. These sophisticated groups are stealing $18 million every day from the trucking industry and using the illicit proceeds to finance drug trafficking, organized crime and potentially terrorism. CORCA will give law enforcement the tools it needs to fight back. Senators Grassley and Durbin deserve enormous credit for leading a bipartisan effort to attach this critical legislation to the NDAA.”

The Association of American Railroads, President and CEO Ian Jefferies:

"Rail cargo theft is worsening in scale, cost, and sophistication. In 2025, preliminary data showed that U.S. Railroads reported more than 75,000 theft incidents totaling over $200 million in losses. Often driven by organized criminal networks operating across state and national borders, these thefts are not only a threat to our national security and railroaders' safety, but also a direct hit on Americans' wallets at a time when families simply cannot afford it. Advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) through the National Defense Authorization Act is a critical next step in the push to safeguard our nation's supply chain."

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), President and CEO Anne Reinke:

"IANA applauds the inclusion of CORCA in the crime-fighting package proposed for the National Defense Authorization Act by Senators Grassley and Durbin. These Senators’ efforts demonstrate the bipartisanship that has defined this legislation. CORCA is both a critical and common-sense solution to supply chain security, providing much-needed federal enforcement and intelligence support to combat cargo theft and freight fraud that impacts IANA members."

The Retail Industry Leaders Association, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Evan Armstrong:

“The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is critical legislation for retailers, employees, consumers and communities facing the growing threat of organized retail crime. By improving federal coordination and giving law enforcement additional tools to target sophisticated criminal networks, CORCA will help protect stores, supply chains and the customers we serve. Retailers applaud Senators Grassley and Durbin for their leadership on this issue and urge swift approval and adoption of this amendment into the NDAA to move CORCA one step closer to becoming law.”

The International Council of Shopping Centers, President and CEO Tom McGee:

“Organized retail crime poses a serious threat to public safety, fuels sophisticated criminal networks and disrupts economic growth across the country. ICSC has proudly worked alongside lawmakers, industry partners and law enforcement to advance the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act since its introduction in 2022. As Congress continues to focus on strengthening public safety and combating criminal activity, we strongly support advancing CORCA and appreciate its inclusion in the Senate’s 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation will provide critical tools and resources to help law enforcement better investigate, deter and dismantle organized retail crime operations. We urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure this bipartisan, commonsense measure is enacted into law.”

World Shipping Council, President and CEO Joe Kramek:

“The World Shipping Council, as the global voice of liner shipping, applauds Senator Grassley’s efforts to advance CORCA. Organized cargo and retail theft is not limited to store shelves. It targets goods across the supply chain, including trucks, rail, warehouses and distribution centers after cargo has moved through U.S. ports. For ocean carriers and their customers, these crimes undermine supply chain security, disrupt the movement of goods and ultimately raise costs for consumers. CORCA provides law enforcement, transportation partners and other stakeholders the comprehensive national response this problem demands. By creating an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center, the bill will connect federal, state and local law enforcement and establish relationships with private-sector experts to share intelligence, coordinate investigations and dismantle the networks driving this surge in theft.”

The International Downtown Association, President & CEO David Downey, IOM, CAE:

"Organized retail crime is a serious challenge for many downtowns and main streets, affecting local businesses, workers, visitors and the sense of confidence that supports vibrant commercial districts. A coordinated challenge requires a coordinated response. We commend Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin for their leadership in advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would strengthen collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers and local partners working to keep America’s downtowns safe, welcoming and economically strong. IDA is proud to support this legislation and looks forward to seeing it signed into law."


Heinrich, Luján Join Peters, Schumer, Murray, Merkley, Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, and the entire Senate Democratic caucus to demand that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.

“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the senators wrote to OMB Director Vought. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”

The proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.

“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the senators continued.

The senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.

“Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal,” the senators concluded.

Alongside Heinrich, Luján, Peters, Schumer, Murray, and Merkley, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn/), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The full text of the letter is here.

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Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand OMB Rescind Rule Giving Trump Power to Politicize Federal Grants

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus to demand Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.

“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the senators wrote.

The proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.

“Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs,” the senators continued.

The senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.

Hickenlooper recently called out a similar proposed rule by the Trump administration which would hurt American scientific research. He’s also been a vocal critic of the Trump admin’s politicization of federal funding, including the termination of $600 million in public health grants and the withholding of disaster relief funding for Colorado and other blue states.

Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Director Vought:

We write to express our strong opposition to your proposed regulation on federal financial assistance (Fed. Reg. Vol. 91, No. 103, Friday May 29, 2026) and to insist you rescind it immediately. Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals. Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs. And contrary to the regulation’s justification of fiscal transparency, the changes also weaken the oversight and effective stewardship of taxpayer funds.

The proposed rule undermines federal agencies’ and grant recipients’ ability to faithfully carry out the programs enacted by Congress. When Congress authorizes and appropriates money for federal grants, it does so with the understanding that all Administrations will distribute those grants consistent with Congressional intent and the funding instructions articulated in law. The type of discretion the President intends to bestow upon himself through this proposed rule is counter to all past precedent and ignores the reality of how appropriations and authorizing laws are drafted.

This proposal dramatically expands agencies’ authority to the point where the President could terminate or suspend any grant at any time for any reason and without any notice. The Trump administration’s actions over the last year and a half have already shown how these types of arbitrary cancellations create chaos and new costs, making it harder for grant recipients to provide the intended public benefit. In one instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency cancelled over $2 billion of grants to mental health and addiction programs without notice, only to reinstate those grants within 24 hours. In another instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency unilaterally cancelled nearly $4.5 billion of natural disaster mitigation funding without notice, only to claim in court that they had never really cancelled those grants at all. This boundless power to terminate federal funding creates whiplash and erodes grant recipients’ trust in the grant agreements they sign. Ultimately, it makes it less likely that deserving and capable organizations and communities would apply for federal grants and risk tying their work to grants that could be upended with no rhyme, reason, or even advance notice.

The proposed rule would also require and empower political appointees to decide which grants do and do not get funded, explicitly directing them to not defer to expert peer review. This would have far reaching consequences, including but not limited to scientific research. For example, over decades the United States has built a biomedical research enterprise, led by investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), that is the envy of the world and makes us the world leader in medical innovation. It has led to new cures and treatments for devastating diseases that decades ago would have been considered miracles. This was built on the foundation that investments in biomedical research would be allocated based on a strictly non-partisan, rigorous, scientific review process to determine which specific research projects to fund. This proposed rule would fundamentally undermine that, and direct political appointees to substitute their own independent opinions over those of panels of experts.

OMB’s proposal also transforms federal grants from policy tools that Congress uses to promote the public good into a political cudgel that the President plans to use to punish his perceived political foes while rewarding himself and his friends. President Trump’s administration has already begun to do this. Although multiple requests for information have gone unanswered, we estimate that at the Department of Transportation alone, at least 45 grants totaling $5.3 billion have been terminated, withdrawn, or cancelled by the Trump Administration. This includes nearly $109 million in five grants slated for Colorado, $679 million in 12 port related grants, and $54 million in transportation research conducted by universities. Meanwhile grantees in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota continue to wait in limbo as OMB instructed DOT to cancel more than $943 million in grants in early February. With the threat of termination hanging over every grant recipient, presidents will be able to substitute their personal and partisan policy positions for federal spending directives, undermining Congress’s constitutional power of the purse.

The proposal also injects vague, burdensome, and potentially unlawful terms and conditions that give the president pretext to pick winners and losers among grant recipients. Contrary to OMB claims that the proposal will bring “regulatory clarity” to the administration of federal grants, the proposal would create limits on funding based on undefined terms, making it impossible for grant recipients to comply. In the proposal OMB explains that these undefined terms will ensure that federal funds are “not diverted to . . . radical political ideologies,” without further elaboration. Grant recipients must instead “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” whatever they happen to be. Terms like “anti-American values,” “gold-standard science,” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are not defined and, in some cases, are the subject of ongoing litigation. Further, Congress has passed specific statutes requiring agencies like the NIH to conduct health disparities research, including research on maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and cancer screening equity. This rule’s prohibition on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” research would complicate compliance with those statutes. Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims. Ultimately, many grant recipients will decide it is too costly and confusing to try to keep up with shifting priorities of each new administration and give up on seeking federal grants altogether, frustrating Congress’s purpose to help the intended beneficiaries of the program.

As OMB seeks to consolidate power over federal funds, it also seeks to undermine transparency and accountability of the use of taxpayer dollars. The proposal removes the requirement that grant recipients follow financial internal control standards established by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). However, Congress required that GAO issue standards for financial internal controls and that agencies follow these standards in the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982. Allowing recipients to disregard independent financial risk management standards required by statute jeopardizes the faithful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and increases the risk of fraud or abuse.

OMB’s grantmaking power grab is not only bad policy; it is also unlawful. OMB lacks the legal authority to issue binding regulations about how to cancel federal grants for each agency. In its proposal, OMB points to the Chief Financial Officers Act (CFO Act) for its sweeping assertion of power. However, the CFO Act in no way delegates to OMB the power to tell federal agencies that they can cancel grants at any time for any reason. Courts in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia have already rejected OMB’s claim that it can indiscriminately pause or terminate grants, holding that the CFO Act does not give OMB “the power to halt all finances, full-stop, on a moment’s notice.” By dictating policy for grant recipients, OMB is attempting to supplant Congress’s primary role in appropriating funds and directing their purpose.

Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.

Sincerely,

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Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge White House to Rescind Political Rule That Hurts American Science, Research

Senators: “We cannot afford to export American innovation and American jobs because of partisan games.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper led 10 of his Senate colleagues in submitting public comment to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought to demand OMB rescind a proposed rule, broadly titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that could alter how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The proposed change would give more political control over these awards by the White House, which could enable corruption, undermine U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness, and block funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration.

“The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities,” wrote the senators. “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.”

The senators continued: “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.”

OMB has proposed sweeping changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. These are the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science, and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation, and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards.

Hickenlooper’s public comment was joined by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen, Mark Warner, Tammy Duckworth, Angela Alsobrooks, Peter Welch, Angus King, Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Kristen Gillibrand.

As the only peer-reviewed scientist in the U.S. Senate, Hickenlooper continues to fight efforts by the Trump administration to undermine settled science, vocalizing the importance of science in our day-to-day lives and demanding full funding for research institutions like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Hickenlooper also introduced the Scientific Integrity Act alongside 20 of his colleagues to protect public scientific research and reports from the influence of political and special interests. Hickenlooper is a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and a former geologist.

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Husted, EPA Administrator Zeldin visit technology, manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Chillicothe

“The facilities Administrator Zeldin and I visited today are prime examples of how Ohio innovation and manufacturing are driving our economy forward.”

COLUMBUS – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin for a visit to Revive Environmental Technology in Columbus and Kenworth Truck Manufacturing in Chillicothe.

“Ohio makes the things the world needs, from technologies that help clean our water to the trucks that move goods across America. The facilities Administrator Zeldin and I visited today are prime examples of how Ohio innovation and manufacturing are driving our economy forward. I was honored to meet with the workers and leaders who make these industries possible, and I will continue fighting to ensure Ohio remains the best place in the country to build, innovate and create jobs,” said Husted.

“It was great to be back in Ohio with Senator Jon Husted. From Revive Enviornmental’s innovative PFAS destruction efforts to PACCAR’s Kenworth plant assembling many of America’s heavy-duty trucks, Ohio is truly on the frontlines of the effort to Power the Great American Comeback. I look forward to continue working alongside Senator Husted to protect our environment and grow the economy in Ohio,” said Zeldin.

Revive Environmental Technology operates the PFAS Annihilator®, which is a technology that destroys per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater, landfill leachate and firefighting foams. Husted and Zeldin received a briefing on the company’s technology and operations before touring the facility.

At Kenworth Truck Manufacturing, Husted and Zeldin met with workers during a plant tour and town hall discussion to hear directly about their experiences and priorities. Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) also participated in the visit. Founded in 1923, Kenworth Truck Company specializes in the design and manufacture of heavy- and medium-duty trucks.

The visit builds on Husted’s support for strengthening American manufacturing and supporting Ohio workers. Husted supported the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which:

Creates better-paying jobs and supporting Made-in-America manufacturing.

Makes the 20% small business deduction permanent.

Allows full expensing for machinery, research and development and new factories.

Reduces taxes for more than 12 million small business owners by an average of $7,000.

Expands write-offs for interest costs.


Husted, VA Secretary Collins in Dayton at VA Medical Center

“Ohio is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, and I was honored to host Secretary Collins to show firsthand how our state supports our troops during and after their service.”

DAYTON, Ohio – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins at the Dayton VA Medical Center for a meeting with hospital leadership on supporting veterans’ health care and a tour of the facility.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line for our country and deserve access to high-quality health care. Facilities like the Dayton VA Medical Center are helping deliver on that promise. Ohio is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, and I was honored to host Secretary Collins to show firsthand how our state supports our troops during and after their service,” said Husted.

“The Dayton VA Medical Center is a standout performer when it comes to quality healthcare, customer service and convenience. Under President Trump and thanks to the support of strong leaders like Sen. Husted, we are bringing that same level of excellence to VA facilities across the nation,” said Collins.

This visit builds on Husted’s work to support veterans and their access to health care. Husted is leading the Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act. This bill would ensure veterans living in rural communities have permanent, cross-state access to certified health care providers for their required disability claim exams.

Husted is also backing the Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act. This bill would ensure the consistent implementation of the VA Community Care Program and streamline veteran access to mental health and addiction treatment.

As Lt. Governor of Ohio, Husted strongly supported efforts to expand reciprocity for professional licenses for military spouses. This program helps military families quickly find work when they relocated for their service.


Senator Justice Visits Elkins VFW for Veterans Mobile Offices Hours

ELKINS, WV – Today, Senator Jim Justice released a statement following a visit to his Veterans Mobile Office Hours at the Elkins VFW.

“As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we also ought to remember the folks who fought to protect it. Our veterans have given so much for this country, and the very least we can do is make sure they get the benefits they’ve earned. If you’re having trouble with the VA, waiting on benefits, or need help with Social Security, Medicare, military records, or any federal agency, my team is here to go to work for you. You shouldn’t have to fight red tape after you’ve already fought for America. At my office, we will continue to do everything we can to help our veterans every step of the way because they’ve always been there for us, and now it’s our turn to be there for them,” said Senator Jim Justice.

BACKGROUND:

Senator Justice has made it a priority since he was Governor to advocate for those who served, especially through his work with the Medal of Honor Foundation.

The first bill Senator Justice introduced in the Senate was the Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, which authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a permanent National monument on the National Mall.

Senator Justice also received the Medal of Honor Foundation’s first Champion of Honor award for his work to pass the Act in the Senate.

Additionally, Senator Justice has made numerous stops during recess periods to talk to veterans, return their medals, and speak at veteran memorials.

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Warner, Kaine Announce Nearly $6 Million In Federal Funding to Modernize 9 Virginia Airports

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $5,819,548 in federal grant funding to revitalize infrastructure, improve air travel safety, and support the long-term viability of nine local and regional airports across Virginia. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for Fiscal Year 2026, which the senators have supported robust funding for.

“From connecting families to supporting businesses and tourism, Virginia’s airports are critical to communities across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce this funding that will improve safety, modernize infrastructure, and ensure these airports can continue serving travelers, businesses, and local economies for years to come.”

The grant awards include:

$2,927,304 for the Virginia Tech/Montgomery Regional Airport Authority to rehabilitate taxiway and apron pavement at Virginia Tech/Montgomery Executive Airport, extending the life of critical infrastructure and enhancing the safety and reliability of operations;

$598,500 for Virginia Aviation Associates, L.L.C. to update the existing airport master plan study at Hampton Roads Executive Airport, supporting long-term planning for future development and operational needs;

$586,000 for the Dinwiddie County Airport and Industrial Authority to expand terminal apron at Tri Cities Executive/Dinwiddie County Airport, increasing capacity and accommodating a broader range of aircraft;

$470,250 for the Virginia Highlands Airport Commission to carry out design work to rehabilitate taxiway and upgrade lighting at Virginia Highlands Airport, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life;

$380,000 for the Twin County Airport Commission to carry out design work to rehabilitate paved runway at Twin County Airport, preserving structural integrity, reducing foreign object debris, and supporting safe operations;

$300,000 for the Mecklenburg-Brunswick Airport Commission to construct two new non-exclusive use hangars at Mecklenburg-Brunswick Regional Airport, increasing aircraft storage capacity and supporting the airport’s long-term financial stability;

$286,900 for the Emporia-Greensville Airport Commission to carry out design work to reconstruct runway end identifier lights, precision approach path indicator systems, and runway signage at Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport, improving airfield safety and replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life;

$146,392 for the Cumberlands Airport Commission to construct a new snow removal equipment building at Lonesome Pine Airport, bringing the airport into conformity with current standards;

$124,202 for the town of Farmville to reconstruct the precision approach path indicator system for a runway and at both runway thresholds at Farmville Regional Airport, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have been strong supporters of efforts to modernize Virginia’s airports. Last week, the senators announced more than $32 million for eight Virginia airports, and in May, they celebrated more than $73 million in federal funding to improve three Virginia airports, $21 million to upgrade eight Virginia airports, and more than $5 million to modernize four Virginia airports. In 2025, the senators announced almost $106 million in federal funding for airports across the Commonwealth. Many of these grants were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation the senators helped pass that has secured billions in federal funding for airport infrastructure since 2021.

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Lankford, Walberg Lead Amicus Brief Defending Religious Liberty in Supreme Court School Choice Case

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) led 43 Members of Congress–35 Representatives and eight Senators–in filing an amicus brief in St. Mary Catholic Parish in Littleton, CO, et al. v. Lisa Roy, et al., a case the US Supreme Court will hear during its October 2026 Term.

The brief urges the Court to protect the constitutional rights of faith-based schools participating in school choice programs and warns that allowing the 10th Circuit’s decision to stand could undermine Congress’s tax credit scholarship program established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

“In Oklahoma, we believe parents know what’s best for their kids, including what school fits their family’s faith,” said Lankford. “Colorado decided Catholic preschools didn’t get the same shot as everyone else, just because of their beliefs. That’s not religious liberty, that’s discrimination. I’m proud to join this brief and ask the Court to protect every family’s right to choose a school that reflects who they are.”

“Every family deserves the freedom to choose the school that’s right for their child, including a faith-based school,” said Walberg. “When parents have more educational options, students have a better chance to learn in an environment where they can thrive. That’s exactly what Congress worked to expand through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. States shouldn’t be able to shut faith-based schools out of school choice programs. That’s not religious liberty, and it’s not what the Constitution requires. We urge the Supreme Court to reverse the 10th Circuit’s decision.”

Background

Colorado’s universal preschool program gives families funding to send their children to the public or private preschool of their choice. But while the state made exceptions for some secular schools, it excluded Catholic preschools from participating because those schools ask families to support Catholic teachings on sex and gender.

In September 2025, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Colorado could exclude Catholic preschools from its universal preschool program. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case next term.

The Members’ brief argues that if the 10th Circuit’s decision is allowed to stand, states could adopt similar policies that effectively exclude faith-based schools from participating in the federal tax credit scholarship program established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which Congress enacted in 2025, undermining the religious freedom protected by the First Amendment.

Joining Lankford and Walberg are US Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jim Justice (R-WV), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE); and Representatives Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL-04), Rick W. Allen (R-GA-12), Tom Barrett (R-MI-07), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-05), Aaron Bean (R-FL-04), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Jeff Crank (R-CO-05), Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), Gabe Evans (R-CO-08), Randy Fine (R-FL-06), Virginia Foxx (R-NC-05), H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Mark Harris (R-NC-08), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Julia Letlow (R-LA-05), John McGuire (R-VA-05), Mark Messmer (R-IN-08), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Riley M. Moore (R-WV-02), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), Bob Onder (R-MO-03), Burgess Owens (R-UT-04), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), John Rose (R-TN-06), Michael A. Rulli (R-OH-06), John Rutherford (R-FL-05), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Chris Smith (R-NJ-04), Daniel Webster (R-FL-11), and Joe Wilson (R-SC-02).

You can find the full text of the brief HERE.

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Heinrich, Luján Join Peters, Schumer, Murray, Merkley, Senate Democrats in Demanding OMB Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought immediately rescind OMB’s proposed regulation on federal financial assistance. The Senators warned the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes.

“Your proposal exceeds OMB’s authority, will make it impossible for grant recipients to faithfully carry out the funding priorities that Congress establishes in statute, and would turn federal grants into a new cudgel for the President to unilaterally advance his partisan agenda and punish political rivals,” the Senators wrote. “Ultimately, these changes will make it harder for grant recipients to apply for and manage federal funds – undermining public safety, public health, economic competitiveness, and the government’s ability to address rising costs.”

The proposed rule would dramatically expand agencies’ authority to terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. It would also require political appointees to make funding decisions without deferring to expert peer review. The Senators warn this would inject partisan politics into grantmaking, threaten America’s leadership in scientific and medical innovation, and create chaos for communities and organizations that rely on federal funding to deliver critical services.

“Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims,” the Senators wrote.

The Senators also argue that OMB’s proposal would force grant recipients to comply with vague, undefined, and political grant conditions that conflict with existing statutes. At the same time, it would weaken transparency and accountability requirements intended to safeguard taxpayer dollars. These changes could discourage qualified organizations from applying for federal grants and increase the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.

The Senators concluded: “Article I of the Constitution vests the power of the purse in Congress, which Congress has historically exercised by appropriating taxpayer dollars through federal grants to fund critical programs, including to protect public safety, advance scientific research, and support health and nutrition initiatives. OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding. We call on you to rescind this proposal.”

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

Text of the letter is available here.

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Joint Statement from Senators Markey and Warren, Representatives Lynch and Pressley, Mayor Wu on Nurses Strike

Boston (July 7, 2026) - Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu released the following statement urging the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) and Mass General Brigham (MGB) to return to the bargaining table and resume negotiations:

“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, and we rely on their skills, compassion, and tireless work ethic to care for our loved ones. The nurses at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Brigham Homecare deserve a fair contract that reflects the essential contributions they make each and every day.

“We urge all parties to return to the bargaining table and reach a good faith agreement that provides stability for this critical workforce, Mass General Brigham, and the patients in their collective care.”

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Senator Marshall Applauds $62.7 Million Awarded to Kansas Communities in BUILD Infrastructure Grants

Great Bend – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), celebrated the awarding of $62.7 million in BUILD grant infrastructure funding to four Kansas communities to support construction, reconstruction, and evaluation projects with significant local impact. Senator Marshall advocated for the BUILD grant funding through letters of support for all four projects.

“I’m always glad to see federal infrastructure dollars come home to Kansas, and I was proud to support all four of these projects,” said Senator Mashall. “Each one solves a real, specific problem — safer freight access for our ag producers in Pawnee County, better flood protection and sidewalks in Junction City, smarter interchanges in Lenexa and Wichita. This is what good infrastructure investment looks like: targeted, practical, and built around what our communities actually need.”

Projects which received federal BUILD Grant dollars:

$20,255,000 to Pawnee County: Reconstruction and pavement of roadway and main access roads to Pawnee Feedlot to widen the road and increase turn radii for freight access.

$23,996,000 to Junction City: Reconstruction of Grant Avenue with increased safety improvements, resilient floodplain design, and sidewalks and street crossings.

$16,000,000 to Lenexa: Construction of new interchange at K-10 and Lone Elm Road, auxiliary lanes between K-7 and Woodland Road, and a north-south connection across K-10 with shared-use paths.

$2,400,000 to Wichita: Evaluation and engineering design of new intersection configurations, roundabout interchanges, and pedestrian infrastructure on the US 54/400 and Eisenhower Airport Parkway interchange.

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VIDEO: Senator Moody Seeks to Propel U.S. Space Program to New Heights with Space Ready 2.0 Act

SPACE COAST, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody is seeking to propel the U.S. Space Program to new heights through her new Space Ready 2.0 Act. Launch cadence and activity on Florida’s Space Coast are rapidly increasing—launches have increased by more than 500% since 2016—while NASA is using 60-year-old infrastructure. In order to keep the U.S. a leader in the space domain, Senator Moody’s legislation would allow for voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers—including Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s Space Coast.

“Florida is leading America’s next great chapter of space exploration, but if we want to remain the world’s leader in space, our infrastructure must keep pace with the incredible growth we’re seeing on the Space Coast,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “The Space Ready 2.0 Act is a commonsense solution that empowers NASA and its commercial partners to modernize aging facilities without creating new spending programs, ensuring we remain competitive and mission-ready. I’ll continue fighting to strengthen our nation’s space capabilities and keep the Sunshine State the launchpad for American innovation and exploration.”

“We’re grateful to Senator Moody for her leadership and putting into action real solutions for the space industry. The Space Ready 2.0 Act takes the space infrastructure challenges head-on, bringing everyone together to modernize the Cape. Florida built the model for a thriving commercial space industry, and with leaders like Senator Moody, we’ll keep Florida and our nation first in the space economy,” said Rob Long, Col. USSF (Ret.), president and CEO, Space Florida

BACKGROUND:

The Space Ready 2.0 Act would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers. The proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA’s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.

In June of this year, the NASA Office of Inspector General released a report on the overall state of NASA’s launch infrastructure, finding that Kennedy Space Center is utilizing infrastructure from the 1960s—dating back to the Apollo mission era—and that the facilities lack the capacity to meet the demands of the current climate. The report estimates that NASA needs $1 billion in upgrades for Artemis launches.

Senator Moody is committed to supporting Florida’s Space Coast.

Senator Moody secured the passage of her Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration. The legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.

Senator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida’s Space Coast where it belongs.

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Trump’s Luxury Jet Corruption: Murphy Leads Senate Democrats In Demanding Answers On Misuse Of Federal Resources After Rushed, Costly Retrofit Job

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, on Tuesday led twelve of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Troy E. Meink, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, and Christopher Kubasik, CEO of L3Harris, demanding transparency into the taxpayer-funded modification of the $400-million luxury jet gifted to President Trump by the government of Qatar. Since Trump announced the gift in May 2025, the Trump administration has refused to provide Congress with basic details about the costs to taxpayers, national security risks, diversion of federal resources, and questionable decision-making process associated with sprinting to upgrade President Trump’s new luxury plane.

In the letter, Murphy, along with U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), note that available public reporting indicates the Trump administration dedicated as much as $1 billion dollars to rushing the sensitive Air Force One modification process, with hundreds working around the clock to condense a yearslong process into just ten months. The Senators’ letter demands answers on this irresponsible use of federal resources.

“Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself,” the Senators wrote.

The Senators called out the Trump administration for withholding information from Congress, preventing oversight of the luxury jet and its upgrade program: “For over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.”

They highlighted new reporting that indicates the luxury jet project has been another hotbed for corruption and misuse of taxpayer dollars: “After months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.”

The Senators objected strongly to the Trump administration decision to shift resources away from national security priorities just so President Trump could enjoy luxury flying as soon as possible: “The Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on ‘the world’s most luxurious plane,’ with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of ‘a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before’ – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.”

The Senators concluded by calling for a congressional briefing and demanding full transparency from the Secretary of the Air Force and the Pentagon contractor responsible for the project: “Congress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.”

A full transcript of the letter is available below. The full letter is available here.

Dear Secretary Meink and Mr. Kubasik:

We write to ask the U.S. Air Force and L3Harris to provide Congress full information on the modification work recently completed on the $400-million Boeing 747-8 luxury jumbo jet gifted by the Government of Qatar to President Donald Trump. Americans deserve answers on how the administration has decided to spend their taxpayer dollars and assume new national security risks with the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and the rushed retrofit program contracted to L3Harris – all in service to President Trump’s interest in having a pretty, luxurious plane for himself.

For over a year, the administration has stonewalled congressional requests for information about Qatar’s luxury jet gift to President Trump. Congress and the American public have expressed due outrage about this corrupt, illegal exchange, but Pentagon officials have mostly deflected questions or claimed inability to share classified details about the luxury jet, the memorandum of understanding with Qatar, and the program to modify it for use by the President. The Trump administration has refused to share the information Congress needs to conduct oversight of this foreign gift and the estimated $1 billion in taxpayer dollars spent to upgrade and outfit the luxury jet for President Trump’s use during – and reportedly after – his term in office.

After months of limited public information about the jet, new reporting has deepened concerns about the administration’s irresponsible management of U.S. national security funding to prioritize President Trump’s personal interest in this jet. In a Breaking Defense interview on June 23, L3Harris executive Jason Lambert reported that the company was contracted by the Air Force to oversee the jet’s modifications, with a deadline of July 4, 2026, from the White House. This timeline drove L3Harris to scale back the usual Air Force One upgrade package while committing 400 employees to working around the clock to complete in ten months a process that would normally take years. This accelerated luxury jet upgrade required other large expenses, including building a 3D mockup of the plane’s interior and the leasing and purchase of additional 747 aircraft for pilot and crew training.[ii]

The Air Force seems to have committed to a rushed, expensive aircraft modification program in order to meet President Trump’s demand to fly on “the world’s most luxurious plane,” with his favored paint job, during Independence Day festivities. Trump’s own statements – including his celebration of “a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before” – make it clear that these decisions prioritized Trump’s personal comfort and tastes over U.S. national security.

Congress needs full information about program costs, the diversion of resources away from other Pentagon priorities, and the national security and funding implications of upgrades skipped during the rush. The American public deserves transparency into this costly and questionable modification work – conducted with their taxpayer dollars on a luxury jet that President Trump reportedly plans to take with him after he leaves office.

To this end, we request that the Air Force and L3Harris coordinate to provide written answers to the following questions no later than July 27, 2026. Recognizing that some of this information is classified, we also request a joint classified briefing for all U.S. Senators no later than August 6, 2026, to discuss your answers and the upgrade program in greater detail.

What was the total cost of preparing the VC-25B Bridge aircraft for delivery? Provide a comprehensive breakout of costs of L3Harris’s upgrade work, as well as associated expenses by the Air Force (including new equipment, mockups, and training).

How were the work schedule and timeframe for this aircraft modification program developed? What were the Air Force’s stated priorities for this program? Who, formally or informally, played a role in setting requirements and finalizing the contract? Describe the contract negotiations in detail and release the contract text for review.

How did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact overall cost?

How did the surge of Air Force and L3Harris personnel and resources to support the program’s accelerated schedule impact other Air Force efforts or other Pentagon work being conducted at L3Harris? How were resources diverted from other programs?

How would the Air Force and L3Harris have adjusted the program’s schedule and cost structure have changed without a July 4, 2026, deadline?

How did the program’s accelerated schedule impact the scope of the Air Force One upgrade package? Detail capabilities that were not added to the VC-25B Bridge aircraft and describe the national security implications.

What additional resources, personnel, and equipment will be necessary to make up for the neglected upgrades when operating the aircraft as Air Force One? What will the cost be?

How did the aircraft modification program account for President Trump’s stated plan to transfer the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to his Presidential library upon leaving office?

We urge you to answer these questions and arrange the briefing as soon as possible to shed much-needed light on Trump’s luxury jet upgrade program. We look forward to the opportunity to finally deliver answers to the American people about Trump’s foreign-gifted luxury jet and the federal resources poured into upgrading and delivering it in time for his July 4 celebrations.