Thune Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday

Click here to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, we recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – the 250th birthday of our country.

“On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration.

“The document laid out the causes which impelled the colonists’ separation from Great Britain.

“But more than that, it laid out the political beliefs that would govern the new nation.

“‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’

“Unalienable rights.

“Rights inherent in man, given by God.

“Rights that exist before government, and that it is the job of government to protect.

“Government not by divine right or military might, but by consent.

“A government that represents the people, not the will to power.

“A revolutionary document, Mr. President.

“Pun intended.

“Many of the ideas in the Declaration, of course, were not new.

“It was a document built on the wisdom of the ages, on the tradition of British common law, on the inheritance of Christianity, and the colonists’ own experiment in self-government in the colonies.

“Jefferson himself, writing in 1825, said of the Declaration, and I quote, ‘Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion. All its authority rests then on the harmonizing sentiments of the day, whether expressed in conversation, in letters, printed essays, or in the elementary books of public right, as Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, Sidney, etc.’

“But while many of the ideas in the Declaration were not new, the document was nevertheless, as I said, revolutionary.

“Because the Declaration marked an event essentially unique in human history.

“There had been philosophical treatises laying out principles of government.

“But this was not a philosophical treatise.

“It was the founding of a government, of a new nation, based on philosophical principles.

“A nation inaugurated not by conquest but on a set of ideas.

“And what ideas, Mr. President.

“All men are created equal.

“Where before in the history of governments do we find that?

“All men are created equal.

“No one is given special dignity by nature. No man has a divine right to rule over any other.

“No.

“All men are created equal.

“Created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights.

“Rights that cannot be taken away.

“Rights that are not the gift of government, but … of nature and of nature’s God.

“Rights that government must defer to and defend.

“Mr. President, as everyone knows, the United States is currently hosting the World Cup.

“And the media has been filled with stories on how much visitors to this country are enjoying the United States.

“They’re encountering the American character – generous, optimistic, big-hearted, friendly.

“And they are embracing it.

“And it occurs to me, Mr. President, that that American character almost unquestionably has a lot to do with our founding principles.

“When you believe that all men are created equal, when you believe that they have God-given rights and dignity – well, that has consequences.

“All men are created equal.

“There is no class of divinely appointed rulers.

“No hereditary aristocratic class.

“No barrier set to prevent you from rising.

“Those principles have consequences.

“So I don’t think it’s surprising that Americans are generous and big-hearted and optimistic and friendly.

“I think it’s the natural consequence of the principles that we espouse.

“Mr. President, every Fourth of July is a day of celebration.

“But this one, marking 250 years, was particularly special.

“South Dakota was honored to welcome President Trump to our fireworks at Mount Rushmore – a truly spectacular event.

“There’s no better place to reflect on the majesty of this great country.

“It’s fitting too, though, that along with the celebrations – along with the fireworks and the parades and the hot dogs and the hamburgers – that July 4th be a day of thanksgiving.

“For the Declaration of Independence and the nation it founded.

“For the blessings of liberty.

“And for all those who have pledged their lives to its defense, from the founding of our country to the present day.

“Mr. President, Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his ‘Concord Hymn,’ referred to the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord as, and I quote, ‘the shot heard round the world.’

“Well, Mr. President, if I may borrow his phrase, I think it’s fair to say that the Declaration was the statement heard round the world.

“It is still – still – heard around the world, to this day.

“And I pray it will be heard until the end of time.

“May God bless our beloved country and keep us faithful to the principles for which we stand.”


Tuberville Speaks at Confirmation Hearing for CDC Director, HHS Nominee

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Dr. Erica Schwartz, President Trump’s nominee for Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Sean Kaufman, President Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), during today’s Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing.

During the hearing, Sen. Tuberville discussed federal vaccine policy, alternative treatment options, and the need to rebuild Americans’ trust in the nation’s public-health system. Sen. Tuberville also spoke about the importance of nutrition, physical fitness, and disease prevention.

Excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s statement can be found below or viewed on YouTube or Rumble.

TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Chairman, thank you. Thank you both for being here today. Thank you for your willingness to serve, to go through the education you have gone through, and thanks for your dedication to our country.

Talking about vaccines, I would hope the federal government would stay out of the damn vaccine business. I’ve got young grandkids, and they want them to take 70 vaccines before they are two years old. That is bullcrap. Let the parents decide that decision. That doesn’t need to belong in the federal government. Now, if you want to recommend them, I am all for that. But, my God, let’s get away from this nonsense.

I want to get into something that the Biden administration got involved in. It is called monoclonal antibodies. Most of us have never heard of that, but they were saving lives. The Biden administration wouldn’t let you have them unless you had the damn vaccine. That is ridiculous. That is ridiculous. Mr. Kaufman, how are you going to handle that situation if and when we have our next disaster in this country—caused by humans, basically, given how the federal government got involved in COVID—how would you handle that?”

KAUFMAN: “Senator, thank you for the question.

In 2014, I had the opportunity to serve at Emory University’s Serious Communicable Diseases Unit, where Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol were treated for Ebola during the 2014 epidemic. I witnessed firsthand a gentleman […] within hours of receiving a dose of monoclonal antibody therapy, I saw that gentleman come alive—so much so, that we actually ordered Chick-fil-A for him.

That is in his book; you can read it. I also have a brother who got COVID really, really bad. He went to Florida, and got monoclonal antibody therapeutic solutions, and recovered very well. I believe that, with the threats we face today, with the ability to identify through genome sequencing, and customize monoclonal antibody therapeutic solutions, we must be absolutely prepared with this technology. It must be ready to roll to be more prepared today than ever before.”

TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.

Under the previous administration, unless you took the vaccine, you could not have these [antibodies]. That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. We killed millions of people who should not have been killed because of that decision. We are [too] worried about vaccines. Yeah, we got great vaccines. Let’s give them to people if they want them. If people do not want to take them, then to heck with it. That is our right. This is a free country. That is the reason we do not have trust in this country. So, Mr. Kaufman, how are you going to get trust back in our country through your position? Because in my state of Alabama, they don’t trust public health. They don’t trust the federal government, and I don’t blame them. They surely don’t trust the public-health system in our country.”

KAUFMAN: “Thank you, Senator, for that question.

As a private businessman, one thing I always did to evaluate whether we did a great job or not is we would ask our clients upon finishing the work, ‘Are we trusted more than we were before?’ I think the indicators today show that, during COVID, we did not necessarily have, maybe, the best showing in public health. I appreciate the question because it gives me a chance to address something as well. Earlier, I was asked by a senator, ‘Are the mRNA vaccines safe and effective?’ Absolutely. But you know what—I am [going] to put an asterisk because, and this is important—many, many, many millions, millions and millions of people around the world took those vaccines and did not suffer. But I cannot sit here and forget those who did. With any medical intervention, there will always be adverse events. It is insensitive—and it erodes trust—when we choose to write those people off or fail to acknowledge that they have legitimate issues. And though I believe vaccines are safe and effective, I think it is important, if I am going to serve the American population, that all of those individuals are recognized, treated with compassion, and acknowledged.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah.

Dr. Schwartz, I just got a minute here, but I’d love to hear this, Secretary Kennedy and I share the same desire about nutrition. I think it’s more and more important every day [to talk] about nutrition, because what we eat is killing us. Absolutely killing

us. What role are you going to play in the CDC helping us have good food that is safe for us and safe for our kids? What is your role going to be?”

SCHWARTZ: “Coach, if I can call you that—”

TUBERVILLE: “Please.”

SCHWARTZ: “Thank you for meeting with me earlier. I am all in on the Make America Healthy Again agenda. When I look at what the Secretary and [the President] have already done, they have introduced nutrition education into medical schools. I will not tell you when I graduated from medical school, but I can tell you that we did not have nutrition education in medical schools at the time when I was in medical school.

The Secretary is also introducing physical-fitness testing. In my generation, we did physical-fitness testing; this generation did not. He is removing those petroleum-based dyes, food dyes from food products. I am fully committed, if I am confirmed as CDC Director to continuing focusing on the Make America Healthy again. Because we are looking at those things that are happening that can prevent disease, and that is exactly what I have done my entire life as an occupational-medicine physician. I am all about looking at those upstream effects, looking at those things that can prevent diseases and continuing to Make America Healthy again.”

TUBERVILLE: “Well, thank you. Work on nutrition, work on physical fitness, work on exercise. [Points to cell phone] This damn thing right here is killing our kids and killing everybody in this country because they are sitting around looking at it all day long. If we do not do something about it, it is going to be our fault—not our kids’ fault.

Thank you.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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Tuberville Speaks at Confirmation Hearing for Department of Labor Secretary Nominee

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Keith Sonderling, President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. During the hearing, Sen. Tuberville and Mr. Sonderling discussed the efforts the Trump administration is taking to root out waste, fraud, and abuse of federal tax dollars, as well as expanding 401(k) retirement investments to include cryptocurrency.

Excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s remarks can be found below or viewed on YouTube or Rumble.

ON WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS

TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Sonderling, welcome. Glad you’re here. I haven’t seen this many Gators in a long time in one spot. I think I recognize a few throwing stuff at me when I used to coach down there. You know, I can’t think of other than Jordan-Hare Stadium—”

SONDERLING: “It was Senator Moody doing that.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Other than Jordan-Hare Stadium and Bryant-Denny Stadium, The Swamp, Ben Hill Griffin [Stadium], is a hard place to play. And I really enjoyed kicking y’all’s ass when I came down there […] but welcome. And thanks for what you’ve done. You’ve done an outstanding job. We’re looking forward for you to continue that. You know, you’re a member of Vice President Vance’s task force team to try to stop this abysmal amount of fraud and money being stolen from the taxpayers. $100 million an hour the last I heard. I can’t imagine that. And, so, you’re on that task force. Are you working with the states? How are you collaborating with the states to get this done to stop this damn fraud?”

SONDERLING: “So, my role on the task force is related to unemployment insurance fraud, and Department of Labor plays a significant role in making sure that there’s no fraud because all fraud is a theft on taxpayer dollars. And what we saw in the unemployment system during COVID time, $135 billion was stolen. Gone. Stolen by crime, stolen by foreign actors. Social security numbers were being stolen. Millions of dollars were going out to people in jail, to dead people. Somebody who was born in the year 2154 successfully applied for unemployment insurance and was able to get it.

So, countless stories like that hurts the American workers who actually need that money. So, under the Vice President’s leadership on the task force, we have the license now to finally stop this and go after states that are not complying. So, I sent a letter to 53 governors and governors of territories, basically saying that we are tired of the fraud, and we want you to put these measures in for the fraud to stop. And if you don’t, then there’s going to be consequences, and there’s never been consequences before, and President Trump is allowing us to do that.

So, more importantly, we’re telling the states verify first, and pay later. Stop paying first and verifying later, and that’s how much money has gone out. So, really pushing on the states to get the technology to verify who they are, and we’re trying to help them. We’re building a centralized system called unemployment.gov that Alabama is helping us with. And we see, you know, Alabama is an amazing example.

You know, they’ve really gone after this. And when they had improper payments, the last two years, they got 100 percent of it back. They have some of the lowest fraud and improper payment rates in the country because they’re verifying. They’re going and making sure that person is alive, that person lives in Alabama, that person worked in Alabama, they’re going to the employer: ‘this person worked for you? Or is this a fraudster in China?’ And they’re doing it, and it’s showing results.

And not only that, they’re following up with employers: ‘is this person even eligible for it?’. And that’s not to what happening, you know, specifically in Democrat states like New York that is still paying $2 million out every single day. So, our inspector general, Anthony D’Espacito, we have a partnership together. So, I’m doing the front-end side where we’re gonna make sure states like Alabama has done, put in those controls, and then we’re gonna go after those criminals. We’re gonna go after the frauds with criminal prosecutions through our IG. So, this is one of the most important things we could do with the Department of Labor is stop the theft of taxpayer dollars.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, I think AI is gonna be the key. I think it’s gonna be the savior for fraud. There’s no way humans can mentally keep up with $5 trillion a year. We can’t do it.

I don’t care how smart you are. And so, we have to have machines to do that. And we got to stop it. We’re over $40 trillion in debt. It’s ridiculous. And we’re talking about AI earlier with Senator Hawley. I’ll be, hopefully, governor next year of Alabama. We’re gonna start in elementary school teaching our kids AI. We can talk about AI. All we want if we don’t teach it, it’s not gonna work.

So, we have to learn it at a young age, and we’re already preparing for that for young kids in elementary school all the way up to high school. And they have to learn to use it the right way, ethically. And that’s the future. Our education system is abysmal right now. It’s going to heck in a handbasket. I worked [in] it for 35 years. I know our federal government’s being broken because all this fraud, but we have to be able to educate our kids in this AI.”

SONDERLING: “Education needs to lead the jobs.”

ON RETIREMENT FUNDS

TUBERVILLE: “Couple of other things. I just wanna say, you know, we have this 401[k] plan that we’re trying to get through for retirement funds, through private equity, cryptocurrency, one of my bills called the Financial [Freedom] Act, and we’re trying to get it through committee. And what does all this mean for the average American and the retirement accounts if we can pass a bill like this where they can actually get something out of the retirement?”

SONDERLING: “We’re very working very hard at the Department of Labor to make sure that 401(k) plans have access to alternative investments just like union pensions do, just like state pensions do. Right now, the 401(k) market is largely in index funds, and those workers deserve private assets. They deserve diversification just like somebody with a pension plan. So, this is one of my top initiatives to make sure that there’s parity now between the pension system and the 401(k) system to be able to diversify for individuals, you know, who just have a 401(k), to get into those private markets that were previously only for accredited investors.

This is how President Trump is gonna make America wealthy again by allowing everyone to democratize that access, allow everyone these opportunities outside of just very conservative index funds. And at the department, we don’t push one fund over the other. We lay the mutual framework and let the employers decide under their fiduciary obligations, which is the best for their employees.”

ON H-1B VISA PROGRAM

TUBERVILLE: “You don’t have to answer this question, but I just want to throw it out there. Our H-1B program sucks. Okay? Microsoft is firing people and hiring foreign labor and that’s wrong. And we have to hire American workers, and I hope you’re on top of that. Thanks, Mr. Chairman. […]”

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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Van Hollen, Pettersen Lead Lawmakers in Introducing Legislation to Bring Transparency to Corporate Abuse of Tax Havens, Job Offshoring

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.-07) led their colleagues in reintroducing the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, legislation to provide transparency around corporations’ use of tax havens and incentives to offshore jobs. This bill would require public companies to disclose their financial reporting on a country-by-country basis. Ensuring public access to this information would both provide investors the tools they need to understand the tax structures and risks of the businesses in which they invest and give Americans insight into the extent to which the tax system is incentivizing the outsourcing of American jobs or enabling corporations to dodge U.S. taxes. Senator Van Hollen and Representative Pettersen were joined in introducing this legislation by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

“While working Americans struggle to get by, large corporations continue to ship jobs overseas and take advantage of tax loopholes to hide their profits. This bill will provide critical transparency to both the American public and investors as to how these corporations abuse our broken tax system and the risks they are taking in the use of offshore tax havens. We must stand up for American workers, end incentives for big corporations to offshore jobs, and unrig our broken corporate tax code. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – shining a light on this issue is the first step,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“As everyday families struggle to find jobs and pay for basic necessities, corporations are dodging taxes by shifting profits outside the country and making the rest of us pay. I'm proud to support this legislation that will require companies to disclose foreign operations, and ensure corporations pay into the system here at home,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act will increase transparency, and make corporations start paying their fair share.”

“For too long, many of the world’s most profitable corporations have taken advantage of foreign tax havens to skirt paying their fair share here in the U.S. And it only became easier when Republicans passed their tax plan, which was chockfull of new incentives for corporations to ship profits and jobs overseas,” said Senator Durbin. “We cannot let this go unnoticed. With the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, we can finally hold these corporations accountable.”

“It’s wrong that corporations can use their wealth to secretly exploit foreign tax havens while everyday Americans contribute their fair share,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This common-sense legislation would shine a light on the murky world of offshore tax dodging to hold corporations accountable and provide important information to investors.”

“While hardworking American families are paying their fair share, many of the world’s most profitable corporations abuse tax havens to avoid paying the taxes they owe,” said Senator Blumenthal. “This critical legislation ensures necessary transparency for consumers and investors about how corporations are taking advantage of our country’s broken tax system and sending their jobs overseas. The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act makes it easier to hold corporations accountable for tax avoidance.”

“Big companies know how to scheme our tax system and hide their profits – all while hard-working families are playing by the rules and paying their fair share. It’s a sham. We need to right this ship, and it starts with some basic transparency so Americans can see exactly how these wealthy companies are abusing our tax system and shipping their profits and American jobs overseas,” said Senator Baldwin.

“Corporations have long abused offshore loopholes to avoid paying their fair share in taxes and move their profits overseas—and jobs along with it,” said Senator Duckworth. “Consumers deserve to know if the companies they’re buying from are outsourcing American jobs to other countries and dodging American taxes. It’s long past time that we pass our commonsense legislation to help deliver transparency and hold these corporations accountable.”

“Americans should not have to pay while corporations exploit tax loopholes to avoid paying their fair share,” said Senator Smith. “President Trump has made it easier than ever for big corporations to get away with dodging U.S. taxes through foreign tax havens, and American are forced to foot the bill as more jobs and investment move overseas. This bill would hold corporations accountable by requiring them to publicly report tax information on their foreign activities and reveal the extent of their offshore tax avoidance.”

“Our tax law in the United States is totally broken–we have a system where corporations are incentivized to ship profits and good-paying jobs overseas. The American people deserve full transparency about how companies are using these loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. We’re working to ensure that corporations are held accountable for hiding profits in foreign tax havens,” said Senator Welch.

While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established a new global tax framework, it also introduced incentives for large U.S. companies to shift profits and jobs overseas. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act largely preserved those incentives. New research shows that in 2025, large corporations reduced their tax liability by more than $11 billion through the use of tax havens. Firms continue to benefit from shifting profits because they can pool income and foreign taxes across affiliates in both high- and low-tax countries, while foreign income remains subject to a significantly lower U.S. tax rate than domestic income.

The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would ensure there is more transparency in these tax practices by requiring large corporations to disclose basic information on each of their subsidiaries, and country-by-country financial information that sums together all of their subsidiaries in each country – including profits, taxes, employees, and tangible assets.

All of this information is already reported to the Internal Revenue Service, under an international Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development framework, but this legislation would ensure public disclosure to provide data on how international tax laws are working and where corporations are locating their business activities and taxes. Thus, when a corporation sends jobs overseas, their country-by-country financial report would show the extent to which the U.S. tax system is rewarding their behavior.

“Billionaires and large corporations continue to rake in record profits while exploiting tax loopholes to avoid paying their fair share in U.S. taxes,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “Many of these companies are moving jobs overseas to benefit their bottom line, while draining resources from the communities they leave behind. The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would ensure long overdue transparency for these large corporations that are offshoring jobs and profits to avoid paying U.S. taxes. It is unacceptable that while working people pay our taxes, many of the most profitable corporations pay little or nothing in taxes. Corporate tax avoidance means less funding for the services people need to go to work—like health care, child care, and public transportation. We thank Sen. Van Hollen and his colleagues for introducing this legislation to shine a light on corporations who are moving jobs overseas to avoid taxes, and we urge Congress to act swiftly to pass it.”

Robert Weissman, co-president, Public Citizen, said “Corporations mock their duty to pay taxes by pretending that that they earned their profits in tax haven countries, depriving the government of tax revenue for urgent priorities like healthcare, education and addressing the climate crisis -- and making suckers of those of us who do pay our taxes, fair and square. Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Pettersen’s Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would simply use the sunlight of disclosure to disinfect this dirty corporate practice. Every member should support this commonsense measure.”

“We applaud Senator Van Hollen and Representative Pettersen for leading this vital legislation to pull back the curtain of tax secrecy and strengthen our tax system,” said Zorka Milin, policy director at the FACT Coalition. “Recent accounting disclosures have provided fresh evidence of widespread tax haven use among the nation's largest and most profitable companies. Increased transparency is essential to creating a fairer corporate tax system that raises needed revenue and protects American manufacturing and jobs from offshoring."

“The Trump administration's regrettable choice to end cooperation with the OECD's global minimum tax makes it all the more important for the U.S. to require detailed tax disclosures. The Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act would pull back the curtain on the rampant offshoring our most profitable corporations are currently engaged in,” said Matthew Gardner, Senior Fellow, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

This legislation is supported by the Financial Accountability & Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition, Public Citizen, Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).


Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner Statement on President Trump’s Speech Tonight

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement:

“Tonight, Americans heard the president once again repeat claims about our elections that have been investigated for years and repeatedly rejected by the Intelligence Community, the FBI, DHS, DOJ, bipartisan state election officials, audits, recounts, and the courts. The facts have not changed.

“As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I have spent years overseeing our nation’s efforts to defend against foreign meddling in our elections. China is a serious strategic competitor, and it absolutely seeks to advance its interests at America’s expense. So do Russia and Iran. We should confront those threats with facts, not distort them for political purposes.

“The Intelligence Community’s conclusions have been remarkably consistent across Republican and Democratic administrations. Foreign adversaries conduct espionage, cyber operations, propaganda, and influence campaigns designed to divide Americans and undermine confidence in our democracy. The Intelligence Community also concluded that China considered – but ultimately did not deploy – an influence campaign intended to affect the outcome of the 2020 election, and that no foreign government altered vote totals, hacked voting machines, or compromised the integrity of our election infrastructure. Even the minority view that President Trump cites agreed there was ‘no information suggesting China tried to interfere with election processes.’

“That distinction matters. The greatest danger to our elections right now is false narratives seized upon here at home as a pretext to convince Americans their elections cannot be trusted – or worse, to justify unprecedented federal intervention in elections that the Constitution entrusts to the states. Americans should recognize that danger for what it is. Our democracy depends on confidence in elections that are administered according to law by the states, not on falsehoods invoked to justify unprecedented government intervention.”

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Warnock Pushes Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh to Implement Artificial Intelligence Policy That Protects All Americans, Not Just Tech Executives

According to a Bloomberg analysis, spending on artificial intelligence has risen to about 8 percent of U.S. gross domestic product

Americans’ retirement accounts are increasingly tied to the artificial intelligence industry, driven by massive increases in the stock prices of chip and AI companies

Earlier this year, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock introduced legislation to support America’s workforce amid the rise of artificial intelligence

Senator Warnock: “But here’s my problem: Americans are worried about what AI will mean for the economy, and I’m worried that this viewpoint isn’t represented at the Fed”

Washington, D.C. – Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee’s Economic Policy Subcommittee, questioned Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh about how to protect Americans from potential economic uncertainty tied to the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.

“I’d be worried about a massive economic slowdown. You know, the impact of Wall Street on Main Street, and I’d be worried about job losses,” said Senator Warnock. “Stock prices tumbling would mean Americans could not retire as planned, and I don’t want to see taxpayers holding the bag should this AI bubble pop…But here’s my problem: Americans are worried about what AI will mean for the economy, and I’m worried that this viewpoint isn’t represented at the Fed.”

According to a recent Bloomberg analysis, AI spending accounted for approximately 8% of U.S. gross domestic product and was a leading driver of economic growth. Despite growing alignment between the tech industry and top Wall Street investors, major AI firms have yet to generate meaningful profits. During Wednesday’s Banking Committee hearing, Senator Warnock pushed Chair Warsh to consider this as he seeks input on AI.

Senator Warnock has championed protections for American workers as automation and AI reshape the workforce and economy. In February, Senator Warnock introduced the Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act to increase investments in worker training and prepare workers for jobs of the future. He also successfully secured $65 million in funding for the Georgia Institute of Technology to help the university remain a national leader in computer science research and innovation.

Watch the Senator’s full remarks HERE

See below a transcript of Wednesday’s hearing exchange

Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “The American economy is heavily leveraged on the success of artificial intelligence, and this is an issue that I’m very interested in—been engaging and talking to folks in the industry and folks outside of the industry, various stakeholders. According to a Bloomberg analysis, AI spending most recently climbed to about 8% of the U.S. gross domestic product, driving the country’s economic growth. Chair Warsh, you have long been bullish on AI. However, up to now, despite investors betting big on them, none of the major AI models have been meaningfully profitable. What are the consequences to our economy if none of these companies ever become profitable?

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh (KW): “So, if they were to disappoint investors, I think the capital markets would dry up for them, and some of that capital investment would be curtailed.”

SRW: “I guess that’s one way of putting it. I guess I’m getting at where ordinary folks are in the midst of that. The markets behind the markets are real people who have retirement savings and who are trying to make their present as well as their future work. American retirement accounts are increasingly tied to AI, and so there’s the human issue driven by massive increases in the stock prices of chip and AI companies. You might talk about the current markets in a way. It sort of—it is tall and narrow. Let’s imagine if we are in an AI bubble. What would happen to our economy, and more specifically, Americans’ retirement savings, if that bubble popped?”

KW: “So, I think it’s a fair question, Senator. I take it seriously. I’m not in the business of providing a Wall Street newsletter, but I’ll say broadly to your question about the effects on the economy: booms and busts do not help the real economy, and they don’t make the central bank’s job easier. What the central bank is trying to achieve is price stability—full employment—all in the context of financial stability.

“On the question of these AI companies, certainly the surge in their investment and the surge in their valuations is notable. But I’ll also note one other thing, Senator. Over the course of the last couple of months, we’ve seen the market cap—both of the public companies and of private companies—under some pressure at the overall indexes. We do seem to see a broadening out now. Why is that? Because earnings now for the last several quarters more broadly are moving up. I don’t want to suggest that should give us any complacency, but what the Fed’s looking for is economic strength to broaden and the inflation that we talked about earlier to become more narrow.”

SRW: “So, I’d be worried about a massive economic slowdown. You know, the impact of Wall Street on Main Street, and I’d be worried about job losses. Stock prices tumbling would mean Americans could not retire as planned, and I don’t want to see taxpayers holding the bag should this AI bubble pop. I’m not against AI. AI is not going anywhere. It has both promise and peril. I just want us to be thinking critically about this from all angles.

“Earlier this month, you announced a new task force to assess the effect of AI on productivity and jobs. The three individuals you chose for the task force are tech executives who have directly worked for or with AI labs. All three of them. Yes or no, will the Fed include anyone on this task force with an alternative viewpoint on AI? For example, anyone who represents the workers whose lives may be up ended by increased adoption of AI tools and technology?”

KW: “So, Senator, it’s a fair question. As I mentioned to your colleague a few moments ago, what I’d say is one of the people on those task forces is an academic. Now I don’t want to suggest that the academic is representing some…”

SRW: “You don’t want to suggest that the academic is being academic—”

KW: “—I don’t want to suggest that, but this isn’t a faculty lounge discussion. What I do want to suggest is that academic’s work has spent a lot of time talking about prior technology shocks and the displacement that it has on labor. The assurance I can give you is that these three people on that task force, like the other task forces, they’re not the deciders. You’retalking to one of the deciders. The 19 of us around the FOMC with a breadth of backgrounds and interest, we’re going to decide what we think of their conclusions.”

SRW: “As a decision maker, I always want various viewpoints. I certainly have nothing against an academic expertise. I think you know that that’s important, and it’s too often ignored in some of the appointments that we’ve seen around here lately. But here’s my problem: Americans are worried about what AI will mean for the economy, and I’m worried that this viewpoint isn’t represented at the Fed.”

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Welch Honored with National Retail Federation's 2026 “Champion of Main Street” Award

Welch has championed bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act to protect small retailers and businesses

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, this week received the National Retail Federation’s 2026 “Champion of Main Street” award for his leadership and work to ensure small businesses and retailers in Vermont and across the country get their fair share. The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, with members including department stores, catalog, Internet, and independent retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, multi-level marketing companies, and vendors.

In his remarks, Senator Welch called on Congress to pass the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), which would prevent the credit card duopoly of Visa and Mastercard from charging American businesses higher fees than anywhere else in the world.

Photo Credit: National Retail Federation

Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, driving the U.S. economy and creating jobs in communities throughout the country. In Vermont, retail directly supports more than 66,000 jobs and contributes $9.2 billion in economic activity. Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state, and employ over 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. Small businesses in Vermont also employ a diverse workforce, with 43.8% of small businesses in the state owned by women and 6% owned by veterans.

Under the Credit Card Competition Act, the Federal Reserve would issue regulations that require banks with over $100 billion in assets to enable at least two unaffiliated credit card networks, one of which must be outside of the top two largest networks, to process transactions on credit cards the banks issue. This would empower small business owners to pick the network that best suits their needs and inject real competition into the credit card market—opening the door for new market entrants, encouraging innovation and enhanced security, and exerting competitive constraints on the Visa-Mastercard duopoly. It is estimated that the CCCA would save merchants and consumers over $16 billion each year.

Senator Welch has led efforts to combat market consolidation in the retail industry and ensure Vermont’s small businesses get a fair shot at success. In addition to the CCCA, the Senator is a cosponsor of the Fair Competition for Small Business Act, which would help protect small retailers from monopolistic, big-box stores that make it difficult for smaller operations to succeed.

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Whitehouse Statement on Trump’s Election Lies

Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse issued the following statement after President Trump’s primetime address to the nation:

“Tonight seems to be the ceremonial kickoff of President Trump’s campaign to interfere in the November election. Trump has badly lost independent voters, even MAGA is disheartened; he is failing and unpopular, and he’s dragging his party down with him in the midterms. We are witnessing a failed, unstable president now trying to misuse the powers of the federal government to taint an American election, backed by his coterie of creepy billionaires.


Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Chief of Space Operations Nominee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the nomination of the next Chief of Space Operations.

Lieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess, USSF, nominated to be General and Chief of Space Operations, appeared before the committee.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized the growing importance of space as a warfighting domain and the need to strengthen the U.S. Space Force to meet evolving threats from strategic competitors. The chairman also highlighted the importance of accelerating space acquisition, building a more agile workforce, and ensuring the Space Force has the resources and leadership necessary to maintain America's strategic advantage.

Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

The committee meets today to consider the nomination of Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess, who is nominated to be the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force.

This hearing comes at a pivotal moment for both our nation's security and the future of the Space Force. If confirmed, General Schiess will become the third Chief of Space Operations. That distinction reflects the relative youth of this service. While the Space Force has already proven its value to the Joint Force, it is still building the institutions, culture, talent pipeline, and operational concepts that will define the service for generations.

The Space Force was established because our nation recognized that superiority in space is essential to maintaining deterrence on Earth. Today, that mission is more important than ever. The next Chief of Space Operations will assume responsibility as two trends converge: First, the strategic environment is becoming more dangerous even as the demands on the service continue to grow.

The United States no longer has the luxury of viewing space as a permissive environment. China and Russia have made clear that they see space as a critical warfighting domain. They continue to invest in capabilities designed to challenge America's military advantage. Beijing and Moscow are developing weapons to disrupt our satellites, degrade our communications, interfere with navigation, and threaten the systems that enable every joint military operation.

So, to meet that challenge, we need two things: increased resources and faster production timelines. On the latter point, I am pleased to see how the Space Force is adopting the FORGED Act’s requirements for Portfolio Acquisition Executives. This is a significant opportunity to streamline decision-making, improve accountability, and accelerate the development and fielding of the resilient space capabilities that our warfighters need. We must successfully implement these reforms if the Space Force is to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats and deliver operational advantages at the speed today's strategic environment demands.

All of this will require an agile workforce. Congress enacted the Personnel Management Act, the PMA, to help the Space Force build such a team. The PMA gives the Space Force the flexibility to build and sustain a workforce that can move seamlessly between full-time and part-time service, which can attract specialized talent, and that can adapt as mission requirements evolve.

Congress has an important role to play in ensuring that the Space Force has the resources, authorities, and leadership necessary to meet those challenges. We also have a responsibility to help the American people understand why the Space Force exists and why its mission matters. Space capabilities underpin our national security, our economy, and our way of life. Space technology enables the systems we use for missile warning, precision navigation, communications, intelligence collection, and the operations of every military service. As the threat in space grows, public understanding must grow as well. The American people should understand that investments in the Space Force are investments in our security, our prosperity, and our strategic advantage.

One of the defining responsibilities of the next Chief of Space Operations will be ensuring that the Space Force grows at a pace that matches the threat. Our competitors are rapidly expanding their forces and fielding new capabilities. The United States cannot afford to respond with incremental growth while the threat accelerates. So, I look forward to hearing how General Schiess will expand the Space Force to meet increasing mission requirements.

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Wicker, Darline Graham, Blumenthal, and Shaheen Introduce Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Darline Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration.

“We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Wicker.

“Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.

The legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.

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

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL); U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE); U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME); U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Majority Whip; U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA); U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY); U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ); U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC); U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA); U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV); U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE); U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI); U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA); U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT); U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT); U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA); U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK); U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI); U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK); U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO); U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD); U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR); U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND); U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH); U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE); U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV); U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD); U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX); U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA); U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL); U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC); U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS); U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA); U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK); and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).

“Lindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort,” said Thune. “I’m proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia’s war machine. I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy.”

“Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia’s murderous slaughter,” Blumenthal said. “When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin’s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham’s fierce support for Ukraine’s freedom.”

“Russia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin’s doorstep through its deep strike campaign. Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close,” said Shaheen.

“One of the many pillars of Senator Graham’s exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America’s national security first and promoting liberty around the world. It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia’s war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin’s war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House—these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace,” said Britt.

“This bipartisan bill that Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to advance couldn’t be better timed. Momentum in the war has shifted toward Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia and those key purchasers of Russian oil should help add pressure for the Kremlin to finally negotiate. Having just returned from the NATO Summit, I can share that we and our NATO allies are united in wanting to see Ukraine prevail in this bloody war started by Vladimir Putin. I am pleased to help co-lead this timely legislation,” said Durbin.

“Today’s bill continues the work of the late Senator Graham, my dear friend and one of Ukraine’s most relentless advocates in the Senate,” said Whitehouse. “This forceful, bipartisan measure will disrupt the Kremlin’s massive oil and gas economy, up the financial stakes, and help achieve victory for Ukraine.”

“I am proud to support the imposition of new, hard-hitting sanctions on key sectors of Russia’s war economy, including the shadow fleet, and penalties on bad actors like China who help fund the war. Russia is not winning this war against Ukraine, and applying additional pressure now will force Putin to shift his calculus and bring us closer to ending the war. In honor of our friend Lindsey Graham, I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk as soon as possible,” said Risch.

“Ukraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there’s much more the United States can do to strangle Russia’s war machine without putting ourselves at risk. Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia’s economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war,” said Coons.

“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine unleashed destruction, chaos and bloodshed in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Our legislation sends a clear message to Putin: your unprovoked, violent invasion comes at an enormous cost. The late-Senator Graham was a champion of this bipartisan legislation, and I’m proud to help move it forward as an original cosponsor,” Grassley said.

“For over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their courage in the face of Vladimir Putin’s war offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. Amid Putin’s intransigence at the negotiating table and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must make Russia pay a further price,” said Bennet. “This bill will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war, especially as Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield and as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S. and allied measures. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine's pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Backing Ukraine today will be our best deterrence against authoritarian ambitions tomorrow.”

“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war has dragged on for more than four years. As Senator Graham knew well, raising the costs on Russia is the only solution. Our bill will further restrict their energy sales to strangle Putin’s war machine and bring him to the negotiating table. Congress should pass this bill immediately and help finish a war Lindsey fought so hard to end,” said Cotton.

“This measure is a tribute to Senator Graham’s tenacious, bipartisan work in support of Ukraine, and a necessary step to deprive Putin’s war machine of financial resources for its illegal invasion,” said Reed.

“South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear,” said Tim Scott. “This legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey’s legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President’s goal to end Moscow’s senseless war in Ukraine.”

“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine has gone on long enough, and I believe this legislation is an important step on bringing this bloody, unprovoked conflict to an end,” said King. “This war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides unnecessarily, and we believe that this step will finally bring Putin face to face with the reality that he is not going to be successful in subjugating the Ukrainian people.”

“This is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people’s fight to protect their freedom. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin’s war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can’t afford,” said Kaine. “This is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that.”

“Vladimir Putin’s brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine must end. As Ukraine makes important gains on the battlefield, now is the time to increase the economic pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Putin’s war machine,” said Collins. “Senator Lindsey Graham understood the consequences of allowing Putin’s aggression to go unchecked and worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for this consequential legislation. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, which would both honor Lindsey’s legacy and help pressure Putin to bring an end to this horrific war.”

“The fastest way to end this illegal war is to cut off the money that Putin is using to fuel it,” said Kelly. “Stronger sanctions will put pressure on Putin and those helping him. This is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.”

“As Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them,” said Ernst. “This legislation carries forward the tireless work Senator Graham was doing until his final days and strengthens the fight I’ve led for years against Putin’s shadow fleet, shutting down the network of tankers and shell insurers keeping his oil money flowing and fueling this war.”

“For more than four years, Vladimir Putin has conducted a brutal, unprovoked war against Ukraine in an attempt to take over a sovereign nation. The time is now for the U.S. to increase pressure and do all we can to end this war and send a clear message to Putin that he cannot act with impunity. This is why I’m joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring forward this critical bipartisan bill to make those who enable Russia’s energy and defense sectors pay a heavy price,” said Rosen.

“Lindsey Graham was clear eyed on Putin and fought for years to build peace through strength,” said Ricketts. “This bill is a small part of his legacy combatting a foreign adversary threatening peace and prosperity for Americans. Sanctioning Putin and his cronies is necessary for undermining their aggression around the world.”

“Senator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Cornyn. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey’s legacy, help dismantle Putin’s war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security.”

“Standing with the Ukrainian people has been a bipartisan goal of our Congress for more than four years. This bill reaffirms that commitment by enacting the sanctions needed to curtail Russia’s primary source of income and cripple its war effort — the single most important thing the U.S. government can do to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Schiff.

“The surest way to bring about peace through strength and get Putin to the negotiating table is to cut off the money funding his war machine. This bipartisan legislation delivers real consequences for those keeping Russia’s economy afloat. Senator Lindsey Graham spent years leading this fight, and passing this bill will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to American strength and the cause of freedom,” said Sheehy.

“Since I visited Ukraine with Lindsey Graham and John McCain in 2016, Lindsey and I worked together in support of Ukraine’s democracy, meeting with President Zelenskyy multiple times and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. This legislation will add significant economic pressure on Russia, helping to move us closer to ending this war,” said Klobuchar.

“As long as Vladimir Putin’s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war.”

“We must hold Russia and its enablers accountable, and stand with Ukraine,” said Fetterman. “This is just and important legislation. I know it will honor our late colleague Senator Lindsey Graham.”

“These strong sanctions, a top priority I shared with my friend and our late colleague Senator Graham, are critically important to weakening Putin’s grip in Ukraine, imposing severe costs on those supporting Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression, and undermining the energy-fueled Russian war machine that threatens our allies,” said Sullivan.

“Ukraine is in the fight of their lives, and this bipartisan announcement is the boost they need to inflict maximum pain on Russia,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan bill will rightfully hit foreign buyers of Russian oil with heavy sanctions, cutting Putin off from the money machine funding his unprovoked war of aggression against our ally. Senator Graham knew it and we do too: The United States must remain united with Ukraine, now and always.”

“Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression, but the United States must use every tool possible to help secure a lasting peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire region,” said Peters. “Imposing strong sanctions on Russia would send a clear message that the American people will always stand alongside Ukraine against Putin’s invasion.”

“Putin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine. If we cut off Russia’s oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let’s finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them,” said Lankford.

“This bill honors Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy by strengthening pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens our own national security and economic interests. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to continue the work that our late friend and colleague fought so hard to advance,” said Hyde-Smith.

“By securing this agreement with the White House to impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Senator Graham delivered a powerful tool to hold those who are enabling Putin’s war accountable,” said Blackburn. “This bill will help bring this war to an end.”

“Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has raged on for too long and cost countless innocent lives. This critical legislation will hold the enablers of Putin’s war machine accountable and represents one of the most consequential Congressional efforts to promote peace in Europe. Let’s get this done,” said Alsobrooks.

“Senator Graham tirelessly worked to impose real consequences on Putin and end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This bipartisan and thoughtfully crafted legislation is a testament to his tremendous leadership,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join my colleagues and send a clear message that Senator Graham’s work will not go unfinished and that Moscow must finally end its unprovoked attack on Ukrainian sovereignty.”

“The United States and our allies must stand up to Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine by choking off funds for his war machine and his political cronies. Putin’s invasion is a gross violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and it is critical that the United States support the people of Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression. This legislation will strengthen our efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the War in Ukraine,” said Van Hollen.

“The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression. This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine,” said Cramer.

“Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end,” said Capito. “This legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin’s deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia’s war machine. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham’s life by advancing this effort to strengthen America’s national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace.”

“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end,” said Husted.

“Russia relies on oil and gas revenue to fund its war against Ukraine, and those enabling this aggression should be held accountable,” said Hoeven. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin’s aggression, and help advance a lasting peace. Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and Congress should act to pass it.”

“Senator Lindsey Graham was relentless in his quest to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Because of his extensive work over the years, we have an opportunity to help bleed Putin’s war machine dry. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking this necessary action,” said Fischer.

“Senator Graham was one of the most formidable foes America’s enemies ever faced in the United States Senate. He was unapologetic and uncompromising in countering the threat the Russian regime poses to American national security and the safety and security of the American people. I worked alongside my friend for years to counter those malign activities, including through sanctions legislation aimed at depriving Putin’s war machine of the resources it needs to threaten America and our allies. This bipartisan legislation honors Senator Graham’s legacy while advancing the badly needed policies for which he tirelessly advocated. I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay,” said Cruz.

“Lindsey Graham spent his final months fighting to make sure Putin knew America’s fuse hadn't burned out. Wyoming understands what it means to power the world responsibly, and it’s long past time Russia stopped profiting from war while claiming to seek peace. This bill puts real teeth behind that demand by telling every nation still buying Russian oil that they're choosing a side, and it puts Putin on notice that the road to any lasting peace runs through economic ruin if he refuses to take it,” said Lummis.

“Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against the people of Ukraine has left the nation scarred and battered over the last four years, but no less determined to defend its sovereignty,” said Murkowski. “The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act honors Senator Graham’s longstanding leadership in foreign affairs by supporting Ukraine while reaffirming America’s commitment to stand with peaceful democracies against the authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy them.”

“The time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin’s revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia's unjust war machine. Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy,” said Budd.

“This bipartisan legislation would make a difference against Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham,” said Moran. “America’s continued involvement and leadership throughout the world are critical to deterring Vladimir Putin. This legislation sends a clear message to friends and foes alike: you can do business with Russia, or you can do business with the United States, but you can’t do both. I look forward to voting for the Sanctioning Russia Act and sending it to the President to be signed into law.”

“Imposing stronger sanctions on Russia will ensure America remains strong on the world stage and will help bring an end to Putin’s unjust war against Ukraine. I can think of no better way to cement the legacy of Lindsey Graham, who spent years of his life devoted to this cause and to fighting for freedom across the globe,” said Daines.

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Wyden: Clayton’s Humiliating Hearing Proves Reform Is the Only Path Forward on FISA Section 702

Washington, D.C. — Following the confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement on the state of FISA Section 702:

“Jay Clayton’s humiliating performance yesterday proved what I have said for months: the only path forward to renew Section 702 of FISA is reform. A man who will not even acknowledge that Joe Biden won the 2020 election cannot be trusted to protect the American people from abuses of the most powerful surveillance apparatus the world has ever seen. Clayton wouldn’t stand up to Donald Trump if his life depended on it.”

In his hearing on Wednesday, Clayton refused to answer basic questions about his role in subpoenaing three New York Times reporters, the pardon of a convicted cocaine trafficking kingpin, or why he has spread baseless conspiracy theories to try to undermine the legitimacy of U.S. elections.

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Wyden, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to End Federal Ban of Marijuana

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to reintroduce legislation that would end the harmful federal prohibition of cannabis by removing cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and empowering states to create their own laws.

The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would take a historic step toward fixing the failed policies of the War on Drugs, and would help federal law better reflect the will of the vast majority of Americans who believe cannabis should be legalized for either recreational or medical use.

“The only reefer madness I’m seeing is the continued federal prohibition of cannabis,” Wyden said. “Our legislation is the most comprehensive proposal on the books to end federal cannabis prohibition while keeping public health and safety front and center. The federal government needs to get with the times, and our bill is the way to do it.”

Wyden has long fought to end the federal prohibition on cannabis and build a safe, regulated national market. Beginning in 2017, Wyden partnered with U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., to introduce the "Path to Marijuana Reform," establishing a comprehensive framework to deschedule cannabis, grant tax equity to small businesses, and ensure fair banking access. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Wyden co-authored and introduced the landmark Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act alongside Senate leadership to eliminate federal economic hurdles and modernize tax policy for state-sanctioned cannabis enterprises.

Wyden has also consistently championed restorative justice measures that expunge nonviolent federal cannabis records and reinvest federal resources into communities historically and unfairly targeted by the War on Drugs.

The legislation reintroduced today was co-led by Wyden, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Peter Welch, D-Vt.

A summary of the bill is here.


Wyden Demands Trump Admin to Protect Americans from Surveillance Backdoors and Stand Up to Proposed Canadian Spying Law

Foreign Surveillance Demands Put Americans’ National Security and Safety at Risk; Would Turn US Technology Into a Tool for Foreign Spying

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today urged the Trump Administration to act quickly to protect U.S. national security and the safety of Americans’ communications from the serious threat posed by a proposed Canadian spying law, known as Bill C-22.

Wyden warned that the law threatens to weaponize American technology, by forcing U.S. companies to secretly conduct surveillance of Americans, in a letter to Marco Rubio, in his capacity as the President’s National Security Advisor, and Acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche, sent today.

“Bilateral trust with our closest intelligence partners cannot be built on the secret subversion of American cybersecurity infrastructure,” Senator Wyden wrote. “We must ensure that Canada's domestic legislation does not create a back door into the devices of American officials.”

A "glaring statutory vacuum" currently exists under U.S. law, which does not explicitly prohibit American companies from secretly facilitating foreign surveillance of U.S. citizens—even if the target is the President or a senior government official, Wyden wrote.

The letter requests the administration:

Evaluate Bill C-22: Determine whether Canada’s proposed spying law will permit the Canadian government to demand surveillance assistance from U.S. companies like Apple and Google targeting Americans, including the previously listed scenarios.

Leverage CLOUD Act Negotiations: Utilize the ongoing U.S.-Canada CLOUD Act agreement negotiations to establish ironclad, explicit prohibitions against these extraterritorial technical and prospective engineering mandates.

Defend U.S. Government Infrastructure: Take all necessary administrative and regulatory steps to insulate U.S. government officials and the American public from foreign surveillance demands against American firms.

Canada is not the first country to pursue dangerous powers to weaken the security of American technology. In February 2025, the press revealed the U.K. secretly demanded that Apple weaken the security of encrypted iCloud backups to facilitate surveillance demands. Then Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, confirmed in a letter to Congress that foreign mandates requiring U.S. firms to engineer surveillance backdoors violates privacy rights, and creates potential for cyber exploitation by hostile actors. The U.K. finally scaled back their requests to Apple, after U.S. officials raised objections.

“The U.S. government cannot allow foreign governments to coerce U.S. companies into conducting surveillance against Americans, least of all our own intelligence, military, and diplomatic personnel. We must ensure that U.S. companies cannot be secretly ordered to facilitate the surveillance of Americans,” concluded Senator Wyden.

Wyden warned that without new protections, foreign governments could force American technology companies to take a host of actions that threaten Americans’ safety and privacy, including:

Mandating Local Backups: Requiring that new data backups for American targets that have not enabled end-to-end encryption be stored in the foreign jurisdiction.

Disabling End-to-End Encryption for Target Backups: Forcibly disabling end-to-end encryption for specific American targets and requiring new unencrypted data be stored on the company’s local servers.

Implementing a "Ghost Key": Requiring that new encrypted data backups for American targets be stored in the foreign jurisdiction but rendered accessible via a hidden, government-controlled "ghost" decryption key.

Relocating and Demanding Software Signing Keys: Requiring that the company store in the foreign jurisdiction a copy of the encryption keys used to sign software updates for the devices of American targets—keys that are ordinarily secured within the U.S.—rendering them vulnerable to foreign government seizure.

Delivering Spyware via Software Updates: Forcing trusted American firms to assist in the delivery of foreign-government spyware to American targets via compromised software updates.

The full letter is here.

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Yakym, Fallon Introduce Bill to End Federal Ban on Firearms in Federal Park Buildings

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04) introduced the Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act (H.R. 9719), legislation to end the blanket ban on carrying firearms inside buildings on federal lands.

Under current policy, law-abiding visitors must disarm before entering facilities such as visitor centers, ranger stations, and restrooms, even if they are allowed to carry in all other parts of the park.

“Hoosiers who can lawfully carry shouldn’t lose that right when they step into a federal park building,” said Rep. Yakym. “This legislation closes a loophole that turns responsible gun owners into accidental criminals and lets park rangers focus on managing our public lands instead of enforcing unnecessary restrictions.”

“Americans’ Second Amendment rights are under assault, and we in Congress must do all we can to ensure that they retain their God given right to bear arms,” said Rep. Fallon. “That includes the right to bear arms on Federal lands, including forests, National Parks, and lands held by the USACE. I have written Army Secretary Driscoll in the past requesting that he address this issue, and I am proud to join my colleague, Rep. Yakym on his bill that would codify Americans’ rights to carry on such lands.”

The bill is supported by Gun Owners of America (GOA), the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF).

“When law-abiding Americans are enjoying the natural beauty of our country, they shouldn’t have to worry about crossing arbitrary boundaries and losing their God-given right to protect themselves and their families,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “This legislation would greatly reduce the confusion surrounding the patchwork of where Americans can exercise their Right to Keep and Bear Arms on federally managed land. On behalf of our millions of members and gun owners nationwide, we would like to thank Representatives Yakym and Fallon for their leadership on this important issue.”

“GOA worked with Congress to restore the right to carry firearms in national parks in 2009. However, using the restroom or entering an information center to ask a question remains an unconstitutional ‘crime’ — entering a federal building with a firearm. Outdoorsmen and other public land users cannot be denied the free exercise of their Second Amendment rights on public land,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs at GOA. “Gun Owners of America is proud to endorse Representatives Rudy Yakym’s and Pat Fallon’s Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act, which would restore the right to bear arms on our public lands and buildings run by the Department of the Interior, Department of War, and Department of Agriculture.”

Background:

Visitors to most federal lands may currently carry firearms in accordance with the laws of the state where the land is located. However, a blanket federal restriction prohibits carrying firearms inside buildings on that same land, including visitor centers, ranger stations, and restrooms. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) land goes further, banning firearms both on the land itself and within its buildings.

The policy is currently being challenged in federal court. Last month, the Second Amendment Foundation and Firearms Policy Coalition, joined by a Texas gun owner, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, contesting the ban on carrying firearms inside National Park Service buildings such as gift shops, bathrooms, and museums.

What the Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act Does:

Expands Second Amendment Rights

Extends constitutional carry to federal park buildings and USACE land in the 29 states that recognize it, including Indiana.

Lifts the blanket firearm ban on federal park buildings and USACE land in all other states.

Harmonizes firearm regulations between federal park buildings and surrounding federal land. View the full list of agencies HERE.

Prevents Incidental Violations

Eliminates the need for visitors to navigate conflicting firearm rules within the same area.

Allows park rangers to focus on park management rather than enforcing firearm restrictions.

Respects States’ Rights

Preserves state law authority, including in more restrictive states.

Establishes a framework for future alignment as state laws evolve.

Read the full bill HERE.


Rep. Young Kim Pushes to Secure America’s Critical Mineral Supply Chains

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chair Young Kim (CA-40) participated in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing titled “Ending Supply Chain Dependency: Aligning Tools, Capital, and Partnerships.”

During this hearing, Rep. Kim highlighted her DOMINANCE Act, which passed the House in June and would establish Energy Security Pacts to align diplomatic, financing, and technical tools across agencies to strengthen allied critical minerals supply chains.

She also emphasized the importance of strengthening the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), highlighting its reauthorization in the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA, which tripled the agency’s investment cap and created a $5 billion equity revolving fund. She noted that her FLEETS Now Act would build on these reforms by expanding DFC’s ability to invest in strategic port infrastructure critical to resilient supply chains.


Rep. Adams on the Legacy of John Lewis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 17, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), issued the following statement to mark the 6th anniversary of the death of Congressman John Lewis.

"Today, on the John Lewis ‘Good Trouble’ Day of Action, we honor the life, legacy, and enduring courage of Congressman John Lewis—a man who devoted his life to protecting one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy: the right to vote.

"John Lewis understood that the promise of America is only as strong as the ability of its people to participate in it. He marched, organized, and endured brutal violence so that future generations would have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

"The progress we have made did not come easily. Countless Americans sacrificed, struggled, and, in some cases, gave their lives to expand access to the ballot and make our democracy more inclusive. We honor their sacrifices by remaining vigilant in protecting the freedoms they fought so hard to secure.

"As we reflect on Congressman Lewis’ legacy, we must also recognize that the work of upholding our democracy continues.

"Every eligible voter deserves an equal opportunity to participate in our elections, free from discrimination, intimidation, or unnecessary barriers. Every community deserves confidence that its voice will be heard and that every legally cast ballot will be counted.

"That is why I continue to support efforts to strengthen voting rights protections, including the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would restore and strengthen protections that recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened.

"The best way to honor John Lewis is through action. I encourage every eligible voter to verify their registration, ensure their information is up to date, learn about voting requirements in our state, and make a plan to participate in upcoming elections.

"North Carolina voters can check their registration information at https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/checking-your-registration

"On this Day of Action, let us recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of building a democracy where every person has the opportunity to participate in free, fair, open, and safe elections. John Lewis called voting 'the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society,' and we must use it."


Smith and Krishnamoorthi Reintroduce Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act to Strengthen America's Health Care Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 17, 2026) — Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act, legislation to help address the nation's persistent health care workforce shortage by helping internationally educated health care professionals overcome barriers to practicing in the United States. Of the two million college-educated immigrants currently living in the United States, roughly 14 percent hold health-related degrees. Yet, many remain unable to work in their professions because of licensing, credentialing, language, and other barriers, even as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care providers across the country struggle to fill critical positions. According to the Migration Policy Institute, this underutilized talent represents a missed opportunity to strengthen the nation's health care workforce while contributing to an estimated $10 billion in lost federal, state, and local tax revenue each year.

"It makes no economic sense to have trained nurses and doctors working far outside their field while hospitals can't fill shifts and patients wait longer for care," said Congressman Smith. "This bill doesn't lower a single standard — it removes barriers that keeps qualified professionals from contributing at the level of their skills. That's a practical, commonsense fix to a workforce problem employers across the country are asking us to solve."

"The 9th District is one of the most diverse in the nation, and that diversity is an economic asset. In Kent, SeaTac, Tukwila, and South Seattle, we have neighbors with health care degrees and years of clinical experience who want nothing more than to serve their communities," Smith continued. "Putting their talents to work means shorter wait times, more culturally competent care, and stronger family incomes right here in King County."

"Across the country, communities are struggling with health care workforce shortages while highly qualified doctors, nurses, and other health professionals trained overseas remain sidelined by unnecessary barriers," said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. "Our legislation will help connect these talented professionals with the support they need to earn U.S. credentials, join the workforce more quickly, and expand access to quality care for patients across the country."

Specifically, the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would establish a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to:

Support local- and state-level partnerships among health care organizations, community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and state and local governments to help internationally educated health care professionals enter the U.S. health care workforce.

Help internationally educated health care professionals overcome barriers to licensure and employment by:

Assisting with obtaining overseas academic and training records and navigating the U.S. licensing and credentialing process;

Providing work-readiness programs, peer support, mentoring, and culturally competent career counseling;

Expanding access to prerequisite coursework, continuing education, and English-language instruction; and

Supporting opportunities to address classroom and clinical instructor shortages.

Prioritize partnerships focused on helping health care workers serve rural communities or fill critical workforce shortages in underserved areas.

The legislation is supported by: Advocates for Community Health, Afghan Cultural Society, American Geriatrics Society, American Public Health Association, American Seniors Housing Association, America's Essential Hospitals, Arkansas United, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Dental Support Organizations, Ballad Health, California Immigrants Resources Center, CGFNS International, Chemeketa Community College, Federation of American Hospitals, Gerontological Society of America, Global Cleveland, IMPRINT Coalition, Intealth, International Institute of Buffalo, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, LeadingAge, Lifepoint Health, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, Medicos Unidos Venezuela, National AHEC Organization, National Association for Geriatric Education, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association of Indian Nurses of America, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, National Black Nurses Association, National Immigration Forum, National League for Nursing, National Rural Health Association, National Skills Coalition, Pars Equality Center, Los Angeles, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Portland Refugee Support Group, Providence Public School, Restore Education, RUSA LGBTQ, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, Synergy Texas, Talent Beyond Boundaries, The International Medical Graduates Academy (TIMGA), The Welcoming Center, Tiyya Foundation, UnidosUS, Upwardly Global, US Together, Virginia Rural Health Association, Hospital and Healthcare Association, Welcome Back Initiative, Welcoming City, and World Education Services.