Tuberville Calls on President Trump to Ban Muslim Brotherhood and Prohibit Sharia Law

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) once again went to the Senate floor to talk about how Islamists have destroyed Europe and to warn about the looming threat this poisonous, murderous ideology poses to the United States. In his speech, Sen. Tuberville called on President Trump to ban the Muslim Brotherhood from the United States and to prohibit Sharia Law from being practiced within our borders.

Watch excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s speech below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

“I’ve come to the floor several times over the last year to warn about the looming threat [of] Islam, [which is] infiltrating the United States of America. You know, I know there are people sometimes [who] roll their eyes when I talk about this. But I express serious concerns about what Islam teaches and how it’s incompatible with our Judeo-Christian values. This is why I say that Islam is not a religion. It’s a death cult.

Don’t believe me? Just look at the report that came out recently in the United Kingdom. This report, which I have a picture of behind me, made international news—’The Rape Gang Inquiry Report.’ […] This isn’t a flimsy report. It was introduced into parliament by Rupert Lowe, who had a successful career in finance before running for parliament in 2024, and is also cosponsored by five other members of the UK Parliament.

The explosive report says that Muslim rape gangs are operating in over 40% of the United Kingdom. The report details how white British girls are being trafficked and exploited by Muslim men across the United Kingdom. The report claims that there have been at least 250,000 victims who have been trafficked by these third-world Muslim immigrants. You know, the report describes a consistent pattern for the Muslim rape gangs. Girls, as young as eleven, were groomed with gifts, alcohol, and drugs. They were picked up from schools, from care homes, and subjected to gang rape, trafficking, torture, forced Islamic conversion, and lifetime trauma. These are some of the worst things that you can possibly imagine and really make you sick at your stomach. But it’s real and it’s happening to hundreds of thousands of young women across Europe.

The report states that roughly 87% of those convicted in the child sexual exploitation cases bore distinctive Muslim names—surprise, surprise. That’s because these heinous acts are acceptable and even encouraged under the teaching of Islam.

Islam teaches that Muslims are superior to non-believers and enables Muslim men to treat non-Muslim girls as property—as property—available for sexual abuse. The doctrine of Muslim superiority is drawn from documents written by Mohammed, which clearly state that Muslims are superior and have a duty to ‘correct’ non-believers. For example, in one part of the Quran, it says that Muslims are the best of people in humanity as long as they maintain faith in Allah. At the same time, Muslims are taught to be hostile towards non-Muslims.

In addition, Mohammed told his followers that men are superior to women, men can marry women without consent as young as six years old, and men can sexually abuse and rape non-Muslim women. It’s their right, they think. Where is the outrage from the so-called feminist groups on this issue? They are nowhere to be found, unfortunately.

The report goes on to say that there was a deliberate failure in the United Kingdom to protect victims or to stop this from happening. Police discouraged reporting, destroyed evidence, and sometimes even shielded the evil men who were doing this to young women. The National Health Service discharged victims without making sure that they had a safe place to go home to. Schools excluded victims rather than protecting them. Taxi license authorities renewed permits for drivers without bothering to check if they were involved in any of the trafficking of victims. The major political parties, along with the UK government, willingly, willingly turned a blind eye to the blatant sex trafficking happening right under their noses. All in the name of being politically correct.

Let me be clear about this. By refusing to address Islamic sex trafficking of hundreds of thousands of innocent girls, the UK government enabled these sick criminals. Folks, Europe is gone. Just go over there and visit. They’ve fallen victim to mass migration, which is wiping out the culture, identity, security and foundation of their countries. Did you know that the number one most popular name of baby boys born in the United Kingdom now is Mohammed? And it’s been that way for three years. You’d think it’d be Charles after the King [or] William after the next in line for the throne. Nope, it’s not. The millions of Muslims who have moved to the UK are having babies, and they’re naming them after the most popular figure, […] which is Mohammed. This is a takeover—a hostile takeover. And I’ve said this many times, Europeans have the right to fight back in the streets to take their countries [back]. […]

We saw an example [recently] in Scotland. A Scottish man took matters into his own hands when he reached a breaking point. He knew his government sold him out. There was no one to protect him or his family from violence, from these third-world Muslim migrants. […] So, to be clear, I’m not advocating for violence. But this will soon be the reality in every European country if they don’t start sending foreigners back to their home countries as soon as they possibly can. ASAP. When a government imports millions of third-world Muslims who refused to assimilate and actively […] want to destroy any semblance of the Western civilization, people are going to start taking matters into their own hands. That’s what usually happens.

You know, I wish I could say that United States is immune to such dangers, but sadly, what’s happening in Europe is a foreshadowing of what’s to come here in our own backyard if we’re not careful. Under the Obama and Biden administrations, third-world Muslims flooded, flooded […] American cities like Minneapolis; Dearborn, Michigan; and parts of Virginia with one goal in mind, one goal, to radically change the ethnic, religiou,s and political makeup of our country, the United States of America. That’s their plan. They’re doing it in Europe. Now they’re coming here.

Thanks to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the enemy, folks, is now inside the gates. You’d have to be stupid to think that what’s happening in Europe couldn’t happen here in the United States. It’s happening as we speak. The same cult ideology that empowered human trafficking of white women in the United Kingdom is alive and well here in the United States for America.

In the 1980s, the Muslim brotherhood created a blueprint known as ‘The Project’ outlining a long-term plan to establish Islamic dominance worldwide by infiltrating Western institutions. That is their plan. The Project explicitly instructs Muslims to create parallel societies within their host countries and to reject all assimilation into Western culture. Since 1986, Herndon, Virginia, not too far from here, has been the home to the International Institute of Islamic Thought. Think about that—just down the road. This institute was established with the sole purpose of eliminating Western influence in every field of human knowledge. We’re talking science. We’re talking history, psychology, and politics. Then they would rebuild it […] from an Islamic viewpoint. It’s not our viewpoint. It’s not our history.

Simply put, they’re taking advantage of our laws, and ultimately destroying our country. In short, The Project outlines a long-term plan to establish Islamic dominance worldwide by infiltrating and eventually taking control of the nation that they’re in. This document is operational, and it has a manual that has guided Muslim brotherhood networks for several decades. It isn’t just getting here. It’s been around a long time. You’re seeing parts of their plan play out today in several states like Texas, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.

You know, even my state of Alabama has become a focal point of the Islamic network’s goal to destroy Christianity and to eliminate Western society. The RAIR Foundation recently uncovered some disturbing facts about the Birmingham Islamic society in my state. This so-called Islamic society admits to being 100% rooted in Sharia Law. It’s got ties to the North American Islamic Trust, which is linked to the Muslim brotherhood. RAIR Foundation’s research also claims that Birmingham’s Islamic Society has employed imams with direct ties to the Muslim brotherhood. The mosque’s constitution reveals that every aspect of the mosque’s operations, memberships, finances, and even personal affairs of its members are subject to Sharia Law. The Birmingham and Islamic Society’s constitution declares Sharia to be the supreme authority over the entire organization. To them, Sharia Law overrules all of our federal laws, state and local. I know the state of Alabama has passed a law to prohibit state courts from enforcing or considering any foreign, international, or religious law if it violates the U.S. or Alabama Constitution. I trust the Alabama courts will look into this as soon as possible in Birmingham.

You know, I’ve talked many times about how Sharia Law is fundamentally incompatible with our Constitution and our society. It has no place, no place in the United States. We’re living in a dangerous time where people are afraid to say the truth because they don’t want to be canceled or talked about. Bad things start to happen when good people sit idly by and do nothing to address the problems that are plaguing our society today. We can’t stay silent. If we do that, we’re no better than the leaders of the UK who sat on their hands while 250,000 young girls were raped and trafficked—250,000. What’s wrong with these people? […]

For too long, people have tiptoed around the issue, afraid to hurt somebody’s dang feelings or make somebody uncomfortable. But the time for being politically correct, it better be over. The truth is that radical Islam extremists want every single freedom-loving American to convert to Islam or be killed by the sword. That’s what they study and believe. Thanks to President Trump, our borders are secure and we’re stopping mass migration and turning away people who want to hurt our country. And we’ve got them here already. This action is saving our country right now, but it only takes the next Democrat Communist President to reopen the floodgates to mass immigration. The disease of Islam has been allowed to fester and spread in our country for a long time. The mullahs are just waiting until they’re in the majority to take our country and force Sharia Law on everybody that lives in the United States of America.

Folks, it’s coming. So, the question is, will we continue this path and end up like the UK and the rest of the European countries? Or will we say enough is enough and refuse to give up our country to the enemy. I was glad to see President Trump officially designate the Muslim brotherhood as a terrorist organization. But that’s not quite enough. I’m calling on President Trump to ban the Muslim Brotherhood from this country. They don’t need to be here. They are enemies. They’re inside the gates. We also need to ban Sharia Law on a federal level, not just state levels. This hateful, murderous ideology has no place in our country, and it is growing. And we’re not saying anything about it. It doesn’t need to be here now, it doesn’t need to be here ever. We’d better wake up.”

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 Chairs Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on TRICARE Pharmacy program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) chaired a hearing for the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel focused on improving the TRICARE pharmacy program.

Watch excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s opening remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

“This hearing gives us an opportunity to examine a critical component of military health care, the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. Our witness today have a wide variety of experiences from policy oversight of the program, all the way to TRICARE beneficiaries using its services. I want to thank Dr. David Smith, Dr. Adam Kautzner, […] Doctor Lansford and Mr. Greg Reybold.

As someone who spent decades coaching young men and women to perform at the highest level, I understand that success depends on preparation, discipline, and access to the right tools. The same principle applies to our military. We cannot expect service members to maintain peak readiness if they cannot reliably access the medications and treatments they need.

The TRICARE Pharmacy Program serves millions of active-duty service members, retirees, and military families. For many beneficiaries, access to prescription [medications] is not a matter of convenience. It is essential to managing chronic conditions, recovering from injuries, maintaining health and mental health, and ensuring overall fitness for duty. As Congress […] continues to oversee military healthcare spending, we must strike the right balance between controlling costs and maintaining access. Savings achieved on paper are not real savings if they result in delayed treatment, reduced readiness, or additional healthcare costs down the road.

I’m particularly interested in how the pharmacy program supports preventative care, injury recovery, behavioral health and overall forced readiness. We should be asking whether beneficiaries can access medications in a timely manner, whether military families and rural communities face unique challenges, and whether the department is using modern tools and data to improve outcomes while managing costs. I also want to understand how the Department is preparing for future challenges, including drug shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the growing costs associated with specialty medications.

Ultimately our goal should be straightforward—to provide American service members and their families with reliable access to high quality pharmacy services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I thank our witnesses for appearing here today and look forward to their testimony.”

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, Luján, Beyer, Schrier, Van Drew Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Help Reduce Medical Misdiagnosis

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash), and Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) announced their reintroduction of the Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act – bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address the alarming rate of medical diagnostic error in our country. The lawmakers’ legislation aims to prevent and mitigate the devastating impacts these errors can have, including misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, permanent disability, and death. Recent research published in March 2025 estimates that across health care settings, over 900,000 Americans a year suffer permanent disability or death because of diagnostic error. These findings build on a 2015 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that concluded most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime, and it’s estimated that 80% of all harm caused by diagnostic error is preventable.

This legislation would create an Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, as well as a new grant program for the establishment and maintenance of Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence – such as the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins – that advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and health care value.

“Far too many Americans have experienced the loss, pain, and hardship that come with a misdiagnosed medical condition – and for many, these errors cause permanent disability or death. Medical diagnostic errors not only impact patients’ lives – they also cost patients and our nation billions of dollars each year. This legislation will invest in efforts to prevent and reduce diagnostic errors, giving medical experts, patients, and their families the research and resources they need to better treat patients and save lives,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the consequences of diagnostic errors, costing lives and burdening patients and our health care system with billions of dollars in avoidable costs. Every patient deserves an accurate diagnosis delivered in time to make a difference,” said Senator Luján. “That's why I'm joining my colleagues in reintroducing the Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act to advance research and improve diagnostic quality and safety. No one should lose their life to a mistake we have the power to prevent.”

“Diagnostic delays affect millions of Americans, drive up health care costs, and contribute to thousands of preventable deaths each year – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Our bill invests in better data collection, stronger research, and sharing of best practices to improve diagnostic accuracy, deliver better outcomes for patients, and reduce health disparities. It also establishes Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence to advance research, helps bring proven methods for preventing misdiagnosis into everyday clinical practice, and gives patients pathways to report delays and contribute to a growing body of data to inform policymaking. I thank Senators Van Hollen and Luján and Representatives Schrier and Van Drew for their leadership on this legislation, and will continue to work with colleagues to build support for it in the House,” said Representative Beyer.

“Getting the right diagnosis at the right time can make the difference between life and death,” said Representative Van Drew. “Too many patients are suffering because of preventable mistakes that should never happen. This bipartisan bill focuses on improving the way we diagnose illnesses, giving doctors better tools and helping patients get the care they need sooner.”

Diagnostic errors stem from a wide variety of causes, including failure to provide an accurate or timely diagnosis; inadequate communication between providers, patients, and their families; a lack of information for patients on navigating the diagnostic process; and a system that discourages transparency and disclosure of diagnostic errors, which impedes attempts to learn from these events and improve diagnosis. The National Academies study concluded that: “Despite the pervasiveness of diagnostic errors and the risk for serious patient harm, diagnostic errors have been largely unappreciated within the quality and patient safety movements in health care.”

The Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act would:

Authorize a federal grant program for the establishment and maintenance of Research Centers of Diagnostic Excellence that advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and value in health care

Require the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to develop a strategic plan to modernize federal approaches and mechanisms to enable patients and their families to voluntarily report experiences of diagnostic error

Establish an Interagency Council on Improving Diagnosis in Health Care to:

Enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of diagnosis in health care;

Identify and eliminate systemic barriers to supporting research in improving diagnosis in health care; and

Identify knowledge gaps, research and data needs, and policies to strengthen the clinical and translational research pipeline to improve diagnostic safety and quality

The text of the bill is available here.

This legislation is endorsed by Patients for Patient Safety US, the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence, and Physician-Parent Caregivers.

"Diagnostic errors are the most common, the most costly, and the most catastrophic of serious medical errors. Diagnostic errors stem from a wide variety of causes, including inadequate communication between providers, patients, and their families; the absence of metrics to gauge performance, limited feedback to clinicians, and system failures, like lost test-results which happened in my family", said Sue Sheridan, President and CEO of Patients For Patient Safety US. "Much of the research to date has focused on defining the magnitude of the problem. This legislation moves us toward identifying solutions to equip clinicians, patients and their families with the tools needed to arrive at the right diagnosis timely. It will save lives. PFPS US commends Senators Van Hollen and Lujan, and Representatives Beyer, Schrier, and VanDrew for their leadership and willingness to take on difficult healthcare issues that others often overlook. We look forward to this bill moving through the legislative process and into law”.

“Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Beyer, Dr. Schrier, and Van Drew should be warmly applauded by patients and clinicians everywhere for taking up the call", said David Newman-Toker, MD, Ph.D, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins. "Accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for quality healthcare —put simply, it’s hard to apply the right treatment if you start out with the wrong diagnosis. Furthermore, failure to accurately diagnose is a major driver of excess healthcare costs. But diagnosis is also one of the most complex tasks in modern medicine; until we have a larger body of research that supports data-driven, reliable improvement strategies that are ‘shovel ready,’ our clinicians and healthcare system will be left struggling. There is much work yet to be done by all healthcare stakeholders to move this life-saving research forward.”


Key House Committee Passes Warner’s Health Care Bills to Lower Costs and Expand Access to Care

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today welcomed House Ways and Means Committee’s unanimous passage of his Rural Patient Monitoring (RPM) Access Act and his Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.

“I am grateful to my colleagues on the House Ways and Means committee who stood up for patients on Medicare, especially those who live in rural and underserved communities,” said Sen. Warner. “These bills will expand access and lower costs. My RPM Access Act ensures seniors can regularly receive the medical consultations they need by expanding remote care options. My Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act modernizes the prior authorization process, cuts through red tape, and streamlines approvals so that providers can focus on their patients.”

The Rural Patient Monitoring (RPM) Access Act ensures Medicare patients in rural and underserved communities have access to remote physiologic monitoring services, which lower costs and improve access to care by using technology to collect and transmit patient health data to healthcare providers.

Specifically, the RPM Access Act would ensure high-quality remote physiological monitoring services are established and maintained for Medicare beneficiaries in rural and underserved geographies; allow rural areas to provide RPM services at the national average rate; and decrease patients’ total monthly cost. Under the RPM Access Act:

RPM providers must be capable of responding to data anomalies detected by the monitoring service;

RPM providers must be capable of promptly transmitting captured vitals and treatment management notes to electronic health record of the supervising provider; and

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may require providers of RPM to report data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services in order to facilitate the evaluation of cost savings generated to the Medicare program through the proliferation of remote physiologic monitoring services.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act is bipartisan, zero-cost legislation to improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The bill focuses on streamlining the often cumbersome and time-consuming prior authorization process, ultimately allowing healthcare providers to spend more time on patient care rather than administrative burdens.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act would:

Establish an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans, including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments;

Increase transparency around Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements and their use;

Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests, including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests;

Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes; and

Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-prior authorization process.

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Warner, Kaine Announce Over $6 Million in Federal Funding to Boost Public Safety, Support Local Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $6,733,892 in federal grant funding for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to help state and local law enforcement agencies strengthen crisis intervention systems, expand evidence-based diversion strategies, and improve public safety across the Commonwealth. This funding comes from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program (SCIP). The SCIP program is made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, landmark legislation championed by Sens. Warner and Kaine that includes commonsense provisions similar to those outlined in the senators’ Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence.

“As former governors, we know firsthand that state and local law enforcement agencies are often asked to do more with fewer resources,” said the senators. “The safety of all Virginians – including those on the force – is dependent on law enforcement officers, behavioral health professionals, and community partners receiving the tools and training they need to respond effectively to public safety crises. We’re thrilled to announce these federal dollars that will strengthen crisis response, support evidence-based crime prevention, and make communities across Virginia safer.”

The grant awards include:

$4,149,031 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to support state and local law enforcement agencies and criminal justice partners through evidence-based, coordinated, and data-driven initiatives. This funding will help improve law enforcement training equipment, technology, and intelligence-led policing programs; strengthen prosecution and court programs to enhance case processing and judicial effectiveness; expand prevention and education programs that promote partnerships and community-based crime reduction and public awareness; advance corrections programs, including reentry and supervision strategies and drug treatment and enforcement programs addressing opioid and fentanyl misuse; strengthen data systems and evidence-based decision-making; and bolster behavioral health response initiatives, including Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) programs.

$2,584,861 through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) to strengthen crisis intervention systems and expand evidence-based diversion strategies for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, substance use disorders, and violence-related risk factors. This funding will serve local governments, courts, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, behavioral health providers, community supervision agencies, specialty dockets, victim service organizations, and community-based organizations – including those in rural and underserved communities. This investment is expected to increase diversion capacity, expand access to behavioral health treatment and stabilization services, improve coordination of crisis response, increase engagement and specialty docket completion by participants, reduce recidivism and violent reoffending, and strengthen statewide crisis intervention infrastructure.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to protect law enforcement, strengthen public safety, and improve the criminal justice system. In April, they reintroduced the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act, legislation to enact a series of commonsense gun violence prevention measures that have been approved by Virginia’s elected officials. The senators also supported the bipartisan First Step Act, a historic criminal justice law that reduced sentences for nonviolent offenders and lower recidivism rates. In 2020, they joined 31 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Justice in Policing Act to improve police accountability for misconduct, increase transparency through better data collection, and improve police practices and training.

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* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *

Photos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner


Warner, Virginia Democrats Urge Administration to Extend Public Comment Period on Offshore Mining in Virginia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), along with Reps. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and James Walkinshaw (VA-11) sent a letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) requesting a 30-day extension to the public comment period for BOEM’s Request for Information and Interest (RFI) on potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction.

In a letter sent to BOEM Supervisory Oceanographer Geoffrey Wikel, the lawmakers wrote, “We write regarding the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) recent publication of a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) regarding potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction, which opened a 30-day public comment period that is scheduled to conclude on July 23, 2026. We respectfully request that BOEM extend this public comment period by no less than 30 days in order to provide interested Virginia stakeholders with the opportunity to review the RFI and provide informed feedback on the proposed lease area.”

The lawmakers continued, “Notice of the comment period was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, and BOEM provided for a 30-day comment period. We are deeply concerned the current comment period timeline in insufficient for Virginians to consider and prepare comments in response to BOEM’s RFI, which requests information on 18 wide-ranging topics, including geological conditions, archaeological resources, environmental sensitivity, and other uses of the RFI area; information on impacts of potential Outer Continental (OCS) mineral activities on Tribes and traditional cultural properties; information on appropriate fiscal terms for leasing; as well as technological feasibility of mining activities. It will take a considerable amount of time for interested stakeholders to review relevant materials and provide meaningful comments.”

“Notably, this is the first time that BOEM has considered conducting a competitive lease sale for marine minerals in the Atlantic Ocean. A 30-day extension, at minimum, of the comment period is warranted based on the novel nature of the RFI, the size of the RFI area (over 2,700 square miles), and the complexity of the information sought by BOEM. An extension of the comment period is essential to ensure meaningful participation from the state, local, and Tribal governments of Virginia, other ocean users and industries, and the public,” the lawmakers concluded. “Thank you for your consideration of our request. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide additional information or assistance.”

Read the full letter here and below.

Dear Mr. Wikel:

We write regarding the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) recent publication of a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) regarding potential leasing offshore Virginia for mineral extraction, which opened a 30-day public comment period that is scheduled to conclude on July 23, 2026. We respectfully request that BOEM extend this public comment period by no less than 30 days in order to provide interested Virginia stakeholders with the opportunity to review the RFI and provide informed feedback on the proposed lease area.

Notice of the comment period was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, and BOEM provided for a 30-day comment period. We are deeply concerned the current comment period timeline in insufficient for Virginians to consider and prepare comments in response to BOEM’s RFI, which requests information on 18 wide-ranging topics, including geological conditions, archaeological resources, environmental sensitivity, and other uses of the RFI area; information on impacts of potential Outer Continental (OCS) mineral activities on Tribes and traditional cultural properties; information on appropriate fiscal terms for leasing; as well as technological feasibility of mining activities. It will take a considerable amount of time for interested stakeholders to review relevant materials and provide meaningful comments.

Notably, this is the first time that BOEM has considered conducting a competitive lease sale for marine minerals in the Atlantic Ocean. A 30-day extension, at minimum, of the comment period is warranted based on the novel nature of the RFI, the size of the RFI area (over 2,700 square miles), and the complexity of the information sought by BOEM. An extension of the comment period is essential to ensure meaningful participation from the state, local, and Tribal governments of Virginia, other ocean users and industries, and the public.

Thank you for your consideration of our request. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide additional information or assistance.

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Warnock, Moran Launch Bipartisan Effort to Protect Community Water Supplies and Improve Drought Resilience

Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jerry Moran introduced legislation that would establish a new office of water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Securing America’s Water Supply Act would ensure communities have access to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ drought resilience and water supply expertise, strengthening the nation’s ability to protect valuable water resources and address water supply challenges while improving coordination between the Corps and local communities

Senator Warnock: “A resilient water supply is crucial to the future of Georgia’s families, farmers, and businesses, and this new office will help provide communities the tools they need to protect this vital resource and build long-term drought resiliency”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to establish an office of water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help communities meet their long-term water needs and address new water supply challenges posed by drought and aging infrastructure. This new office will centralize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ drought resilience and water supply expertise, ensuring local communities have access to critical water supply resources and support to tackle future opportunities and challenges.

“Our bipartisan bill will help Georgia communities, state agencies, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work together to better address and manage our water resources responsibly,” said Senator Warnock. “A resilient water supply is crucial to the future of Georgia’s families, farmers, and businesses, and this new office will help provide communities the tools they need to protect this vital resource and build long-term drought resiliency.”

“Establishing a dedicated Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation and Drought Resiliency will strengthen the Army Corps of Engineers’ mission of addressing water supply needs and support efforts to improve water availability and drought resilience,” said Senator Moran. “This new office will improve coordination with states and local partners, helping them access the authorities, programs and technical resources needed to make certain communities in Kansas and across the country have a reliable and sustainable water supply.”

“This bill delivers critical support to the Corps of Engineers, strengthening its ability to support the water utilities that provide clean, reliable drinking water to people and businesses across metro Atlanta,” said Danny Johnson, Managing Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Natural Resources Department (ARC). “The Office of Water Supply gives the Corps the resources it needs to meet the Atlanta region’s water needs, now and into the future.”

“Our nation’s water supply is at the core of our prosperity as it is vital for human life, industry, and agriculture,” said Brad Burnett, Chairman of the National Water Supply Alliance (NWSA). “Establishment of an Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency within the US Army Corps of Engineers will provide the focus needed within the federal government to support states and regional sponsors across the nation in maintaining and managing existing water supplies and developing new ones for the future.”

Senator Warnock has long fought to implement lasting improvements to water supply infrastructure in Georgia. In June 2024, following a series of catastrophic water main breaks that left hundreds of thousands of Atlanta residents and local businesses without water services, Senator Warnock led a bicameral effort to secure nearly $1 million in federal funding to address chronic water infrastructure problems plaguing communities across Georgia. Senator Warnock was joined in this effort by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-GA-05).

The Securing America’s Water Supply Act is supported by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the National Water Supply Alliance (NWSA).

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Senate Passes Welch-Cramer Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Canada and Mexico as Cohosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bipartisan resolution recognizes the first FIFA tournament to be jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of their bipartisan resolution honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Senators’ resolution celebrates that for first time in the history of the competition, the World Cup has been jointly hosted by three nations, with matches held across 16 North American cities, including 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The resolution underlines how this milestone was made possible by the spirit of continental unity and cooperation among America’s neighbors.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a milestone in sporting history as the first to feature an expanded field of 48 national teams and a record 104 matches. America’s host cities for this year’s competition included Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.

“The ‘United Bid’ of America, Canada, and Mexico was made possible by a shared, strong partnership between our countries, grounded in mutual respect and centered on shared values of peace and prosperity. From Boston to Seattle, we’ve been thrilled to welcome folks from across the world to America to foster global peace, friendship, and fair competition. It was exciting to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team compete with grit and determination, which rallied so many Americans around this historic tournament,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senator Cramer in leading this effort thanking our great neighbors, Canada and Mexico, for their collaboration in bringing the world’s most popular tournament back home in a historic way.”

“This year’s FIFA World Cup has been one for the books! Unanimously passing our resolution is a fitting way to send all teams home with respect for their accomplishments and appreciation for their sportsmanship. Welcoming the world with American hospitality while celebrating our shared love for soccer has been a highlight of the year,” said Senator Cramer.

The 2026 Men’s World Cup is the highest attended FIFA World Cup in the competition’s history, with a current all-time attendance record of 3,605,357. Prior to this year’s tournament, the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by the United States, was the most attended tournament in history with over 3,587,000 spectators. The legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup fundamentally changed the trajectory of soccer in America, leading directly to the 1996 launch of Major League Soccer and the creation of new professional pathways for players from the United States.

Read and download the full text of the resolution.

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Welch Grills Blanche During Nomination Hearing to Serve as Attorney General: “Todd Blanche works for Donald Trump. He does not work for the American people.”

Welch pressed Trump’s former personal attorney and Acting AG Todd Blanche on his conflicts of interest during tenure as Deputy AG

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, grilled Acting Attorney General (AG) and AG nominee Todd Blanche on his role in the Trump Administration’s corruption of the pardon process at the Department of Justice (DOJ), and in negotiating a settlement between President Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized that Acting AG Blanche’s demonstrated loyalty to President Trump—his former client—is prioritized ahead of the Americans he has been entrusted to serve.

“We cannot have a Justice Department that makes prosecutions of American citizens—whether they’re in office or not—on the basis of the political preferences of the president. Todd Blanche works for Donald Trump. He does not work for the American people,” said Senator Welch at a press conference following the hearing.

Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks from the hearing below:

Read and watch an excerpt from Senator Welch’s exchange with Acting AG Blanche about his involvement in the settlement granting President Trump legal immunity and creating the anti-weaponization slush fund:

Sen. Welch: I mean, that is truly bizarre that the chief executive gets his appointed person—who was formerly his personal attorney—to negotiate on his behalf, where at the end of the day, taxpayers are going to pay.

Acting AG Blanche: The other thing I’ll correct, though, is you used the word as if I negotiated. I wasn’t part of the negotiation, which I’ve said before.

Sen. Welch: Your department is—you had to sign off on it. That is your signature.

Acting AG Blanche: Yes, that’s true. Yes, that is my signature.

Sen. Welch: I mean, look: you’re at the top of the pile here. So, you don’t get involved in all the phone calls and all the details, but at the end of the day ,you have to do due diligence and satisfy yourself that you, in good faith, can sign off on the agreement. And you did. So that is your responsibility and I’m sure you accept that.

Acting AG Blanche: Correct. Yes, oh I do have responsibility for it. I agree with that.

Sen. Welch: That’s right.

•••

Senator Welch has called on Acting AG Blanche to resign and expressed strong opposition to Acting AG Blanche’s nomination to serve in the role permanently.

In May, Senator Welch led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in demanding that the DOJ Inspector General (IG) launch an immediate, thorough, and quick investigation into President Trump’s creation of the nearly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” emphasizing how President Trump’s slush fund, created from a settlement agreement in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), represents waste, fraud, and abuse of an unprecedented magnitude and must be subjected to independent scrutiny.

Last year, Senator Welch led Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee in requesting documents from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to determine the veracity of U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his nomination hearing in February 2025. Mr. Blanche testified at the hearing and in subsequent written answers to Members’ questions that he had no knowledge of the decision to dismiss the criminal charges against then-New York City Mayor Eric Adams, an assertion that has been contradicted by unsealed court documents—including a letter from then-Interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to Attorney General Bondi—suggesting he was aware of the decision.

The Senator subsequently led every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in calling on Inspector General Michael Horowitz to investigate the truthfulness of Mr. Blanche’s testimony at his confirmation hearing.

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Welch Joins Heinrich, Schatz, Colleagues to Discuss Future of the Energy Workforce with Labor Leaders

Welch: “Now it’s time to have an industrial policy that’s good for workers, and good for America, and good for the economy.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week joined Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Senate Democratic colleagues, and labor leaders to discuss the future of America’s energy workforce, policies that support clean energy and manufacturing jobs, and the impacts of the Trump Administration’s actions on workers. Senator Welch highlighted the need for Congress to invest in career and technical education opportunities to expand America’s clean energy workforce.

“Congress plays an important role in helping meet the needs of the American people and American workers. A big part of that must be investing in clean energy—not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the necessary thing to do. We need industrial policy that’s good for workers, good for America, and good for the economy,” said Senator Welch. “We’ll keep fighting for good jobs for hardworking people.”

Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below:

Senators Welch, Heinrich, and Schatz were joined at the roundtable by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Senators heard from panelists including President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Liz Shuler; General President of Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Brent Booker; President of Industrial Division of the Communications Workers of America (IUE-CWA) Carl Kennebrew; Director of Unity and Strength for Workers (USW) District 1 (Ohio/Michigan) Donnie Blatt; Maryland State Senator and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24 Vice President Cory McCray; and Executive Director of BlueGreen Alliance Jason Walsh.

Watch a livestream of the roundtable here.

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Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement:

“Senator Schumer has chosen to block a bipartisan NDAA from advancing on the Senate floor. He has delayed a bill that prioritizes our military service members and ensures they are better prepared for the challenges ahead. The NDAA would have included another 86 amendments, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. These amendments included bipartisan packages on crime and drugs, bipartisan provisions to ensure America stays ahead of China on chips and artificial intelligence, and bipartisan oversight measures for the State Department and intelligence community.

It is difficult to understand this action given that the objections to beginning debate on the bill center on what is not in the bill. We have voted dozens of times on military action in Iran, both on the Senate floor and in our committee. Rather than requesting specific votes on Iran on the NDAA, Democrats simply voted against starting the process altogether. Similarly, the committee has already voted on the defense budget topline. This bill is not the proper vehicle to settle disagreements over the adequate balance between defense and domestic spending.

I hope Senator Schumer will reconsider and allow the NDAA to come to the floor so that we can debate these topics and advance legislation containing over 1,100 individual ideas from every senator in this chamber.”


Wyden, Blumenthal, Padilla Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Nitrous Products, Protect Kids

New bill takes aim at deceptive marketing, would establish programs for prevention and education grants

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., today introduced legislation that would curb the rising abuse of nitrous oxide-related products among young Americans.

“Companies need to be held accountable for predatory advertising that pushes these addictive products to kids,” Wyden said. “This is a public health issue, and just like I took on Big Tobacco years ago, I’m going to be on the forefront of protecting kids and consumers.”

“Our measure cracks down on companies’ deceptive marketing of nitrous oxide,” said Blumenthal. “These companies are taking a page out of Big Tobacco’s playbook, targeting kids with colorful packaging and fruity flavors so they can get hooked on highly addictive products. By curbing predatory advertising and investing in prevention programs, our legislation will protect consumers and address the rising abuse of nitrous oxide.”

“Nitrous oxide misuse has had serious impacts on young adults and communities across California, and we must protect young adults who are most susceptible to the terrible effects of these dangerous, unregulated products,” said Senator Padilla. “Our bill would address this growing public health threat and hold predatory companies accountable.”

Nitrous oxide misuse has risen sharply among young people, with deaths increasing more than 500% from 2010-2023 and significant spikes in poison center reports and ER visits nationwide. Health providers have also reported increasing incidents involving nitrous oxide-related neurological harm in young people.

The Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Prevention Act:

Establishes the first national framework to regulate access to nitrous oxide

Strengthens Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight of retail access, packaging, labeling and sales practices related to nitrous oxide products

Establishes age restrictions, bans on flavored cartridges, and youth-targeted marketing.

Creates prevention and education grants, to support community coalitions, schools, and first responders to address this emerging public health threat

Wyden also introduced the Duster Inhalation Prevention Act, a bill that establishes clear federal consumer safety standards to reduce inhalant misuse of compressed air dusters, often used to clean electronics. This bill would classify dangerous duster propellants as hazardous substances and ban the most dangerous aerosol duster products. Legislative text for that bill is here.

A one-pager of the bill is here.

Legislative text is here.

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Wyden, Colleagues Demand Action on Hidden Price-Gouging Delivery Fees

Senators: “At a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks.”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to call on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to act swiftly to stop food and grocery delivery apps from using deceptive fees, surveillance pricing, and anti-consumer marketing tactics that drive up costs for consumers.

The senators’ demand comes as the FTC is considering a rule to address these deceptive fees.

“For millions of Americans, including busy parents and people with mobility issues, food delivery is a lifeline, not a luxury. However, delivery apps are taking advantage of consumers by slapping on unexplained and misleading fees that lead to exorbitantly higher prices,” the senators wrote in their letter to FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson. “Delivery apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash justify these additional charges under the pretext of long-distance deliveries, small orders, priority or express deliveries, and ‘regulatory compliance.’ To further obscure these fees, delivery apps often lump costs together and hide fees during the checkout process.”

The senators continued, “Price gouging through hidden fees and markups clearly falls within the Commission’s purview of combating unfair and deceptive acts and practices… The Commission’s recent advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on delivery app fees presents the perfect opportunity to close this gap.”

“At a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these delivery app fees are nothing more than a greedy assault on consumers’ pocketbooks. As such, we encourage the Commission to proceed with this rulemaking and pursue enforcement against deceptive hidden fees, surveillance pricing, and markups related to food and grocery deliveries,” the senators concluded.

The letter was led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. In addition to Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.


Young Named A 2026 “Hero of Main Street” By the National Retail Federation

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) was recognized as a 2026 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation for his consistent work and support for the U.S. retail industry through legislative action and leadership.

“I am honored to receive the ‘Hero of Main Street’ award from the National Retail Federation for my efforts to promote and support Hoosier small businesses. I will continue to advocate for legislation important to Indiana’s retail sector,” said Senator Young.

The “Hero of Main Street” award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. Award eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship, and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities.

Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, driving the U.S. economy and creating jobs in communities throughout the country. In Indiana, retail directly supports more than 1.1 million local jobs and contributes more than $93 billion in economic activity.

“From the merchants who helped found our nation to the retailers serving communities today, retail has played a critical role in America for the past 250 years,” said NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French. “NRF is proud to recognize Senator Young as a ‘Hero of Main Street’ for their commitment to advancing policies that ensure the retail industry continues to drive our economy forward.”

This year, NRF honored 255 members of the House and Senate as “Heroes of Main Street” during the 2026 Retail Advocates Summit, the retail industry’s premier advocacy event in Washington D.C.


Rep. Young Kim Highlights Ways to Expand Access to Credit for American Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, participated in a hearing titled”Beyond Silicon Valley: Expanding Capital Access Across America” with Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Russell Vought.

During the hearing, Rep. Kim raised questions on the timeline for distributing Capital Magnet Fund dollars, building on her work with Treasury Secretary Bessent to release CDFI Fund resources before expiration. She also discussed her Small Dollar Loan Certainty Act and asked how the CFPB is balancing enforcement with consumer education to prevent fraud.


House Intelligence Democrats Call on Intelligence Leadership to Rebut Trump’s Election Lies

Washington, DC— Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) joined fellow Democratic Members of the House Intelligence Committee in a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Ratcliffe, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel, and Director of the National Security Agency Joshua Rudd, calling on them to protect the integrity of their agencies against Trump’s election conspiracies. The letter comes ahead of a speech by the President, in which he reportedly plans to reveal foreign plans to interfere in the 2020 election.

“It is concerning that at a time when the Intelligence Community is not complying with its legal responsibilities to protect our upcoming elections, it appears focused instead on discrediting past elections without evidence,” the Members wrote. “The facts of the 2020 election have long been settled. The Intelligence Community assessed in a declassified Intelligence Community Assessment from 2021 that, ‘We have no indications that any foreign actor attempted to interfere in the 2020 US elections by altering any technical aspect of the voting process.’ No intelligence to the contrary has ever been provided to the Committee, despite repeated requests for updates. This declassified finding is backed by detailed intelligence in a classified version of the same assessment, including a version that remains restricted to the Gang of 8. Notably, this Intelligence Community Assessment was prepared during President Trump’s first term in office and coordinated by then-Director of National Intelligence Ratcliffe.”

The Members continued: “The President is within his authority to declassify intelligence, but if he does so in a way that is intended to mislead Americans about the most basic foundation of our democracy and that may compromise sources and methods, it is incumbent on you to stand up for the agencies you lead. Before any intelligence is publicly disclosed, it should be coordinated with all relevant Intelligence Community elements, reviewed under applicable analytic tradecraft standards, and provided to the congressional intelligence committees.”

“We remind you that you are statutorily obligated to keep the Committee fully and currently informed, a requirement that should include notification of new intelligence related to election influence or interference as well as any significant declassification. A reckless effort to weaponize intelligence to support false claims about election security will have a lasting and destructive impact on the relationship between the Intelligence Community and its oversight committees, as well as on the trust of the American people. We sincerely hope you do not go down that road,” they concluded.


Houlahan Paid Leave Bill Companion Introduced in Senate

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced a Senate version of Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05)'s historic bipartisan legislation to expand Americans’ access to paid family and medical leave. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act would establish a competitive grant program for states that provide a minimum of six weeks of parental, caregiving, or medical leave, and it would create an interstate agreement to coordinate and harmonize paid leave benefits across participating states.

“Four years ago, when I founded the House Bipartisan Paid Leave Working Group with Rep. Bice, I did so with a simple goal: to find durable, bipartisan policy solutions that help American workers, businesses, and families gain access to paid family and medical leave,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Today, I am proud that our bill, the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, now has a Senate companion, and I applaud Senators Gillibrand and Boozman for their leadership and partnership in advancing this effort. For more than three decades, roughly three in four American workers have lacked access to paid leave. We have a real opportunity to help states build programs that change that reality. Today, we've charted a clear bipartisan, bicameral path forward, and I urge House and Senate leadership to seize this opportunity and finally deliver paid leave for more American families.” “No American should have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a new baby, a sick parent, or their own health,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step toward solving a challenge facing millions of hardworking families. By empowering states to create robust paid parental, caregiving, and medical leave programs, this bill would help protect Americans’ financial security and allow them the flexibility to deal with life’s emergencies without sacrificing their income. I will fight to pass this bill through Congress and will continue working until every American has guaranteed access to paid family and medical leave.” “As a former business owner, father of three daughters and Member of Congress, I have learned just how much there is to gain from expanding paid leave resources for working families,” said Sen. Boozman. “Our bipartisan, bicameral approach offers a flexible way for more states and employers to help fewer Americans face the dilemma between career progression and financial security or meeting theirs or a loved one’s needs. I am optimistic this model will spur wider adoption across the country and appreciated collaborating with my colleagues alongside passionate advocates to achieve meaningful progress that will support families and our economy.” “After years of hard work and dedication, I am thrilled that my colleagues in the Senate have introduced companion legislation to my bipartisan bill, the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act,” said Rep. Bice. “As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan House Paid Family Leave Working Group alongside Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, I have been proud to work across the aisle to advance practical solutions that support both families and businesses. As a mother myself, I understand the challenges parents face and the importance of ensuring they do not have to choose between caring for a newborn and earning a paycheck. We must continue this momentum and advance policies that address the real needs of America’s families.” Currently, nearly three-quarters of American workers do not have access to paid family leave. This means that millions of Americans are forced to make impossible choices between earning a living and caring for themselves or their loved ones in times of need, such as when they have a new baby, contract a serious illness, or have to care for an aging parent. A large body of research has shown that paid leave improves workers’ mental health, boosts employee retention and productivity, and spurs economic growth.

The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act encourages states to work together with private companies to adopt or expand scalable, sustainable access to paid leave benefits. It also creates an Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) to build coordination and harmonization across the growing number of paid leave states. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act is endorsed by Engage: Promoting Women’s Economic Security, AARP, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, Third Way, Chamber of Mothers, the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, and Patriot Voices.

The full text of the Senate bill can be foundhere. The full text of the original House bill can be found here.

A section-by-section summary of the Senate bill can be foundhere.

A one-pager on the Senate bill can be foundhere.


Rep. Adams Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), issued the following statement regarding her vote in opposition to the Massie Amendment to the National Security Department of State, & Related Programs Appropriations Bill, which failed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening, July 15, 2026.

“I share the deep frustration so many Americans feel about how conflicts in Gaza and Iran have unfolded, and I have not been silent about the need for accountability and lasting peace. That is why I have co-sponsored the Block the Bombs Act to end the shipment of destructive weapons to Israel. However, a vague amendment that jeopardizes humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in the region is the wrong vehicle.

“The Massie Amendment was broadly written; it included non-military funding cuts that would limit humanitarian aid, cut refugee resettlement support programs, reduce U.S. Embassy operations, and inhibit peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East.

“I could not support a measure this broad, even to make an important point.

“My opposition to this amendment is a rejection of a blunt instrument that would have caused collateral damage to programs that save lives.”


Rep. Al Green Addresses Possible Cover-Up in Federal ICE-Related Investigations, Calls for Impeachment

(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor expressing concern about the possibility of a cover-up in federal investigations involving ICE-related fatalities in Houston, Maine, and Minnesota. During his remarks, Congressman Green also called for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump.

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).


Rhode Island Federal Delegation Calls on CMS to Protect Rhode Islanders’ Health Coverage

WASHINGTON, DC – TODAY, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Congressmen Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI) in sending a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz to delay and reconsider implementing the agency’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) on “community engagement” requirements under Trump and Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law. The lawmakers warned the rule’s narrow interpretation of the medical frailty exemption could subject approximately 90,000 Rhode Islanders to new requirements, with an estimated 24,000 at risk of losing coverage. Under the new “community engagement” requirements, individuals receiving treatment for cancer, developmental disabilities, and other complex conditions could lose critical protections, as states would be forced to navigate significant new administrative burdens.

“We urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to withdraw its Interim Final Rule (IFR) implementing Medicaid “community engagement” requirements under H.R. 1, particularly the medical frailty exemption. These work reporting requirements passed by Congressional Republicans and signed by President Donald Trump last year will not increase employment, but instead risk causing thousands of Rhode Islanders and millions of Americans to lose their health coverage during an affordability crisis,” wrote the lawmakers. “CMS must delay implementation and reconsider the rule before vulnerable and medically fragile individuals needlessly lose access to essential health care.”

A copy of the full letter can be found HERE.

Background

As a member of the House Budget Committee, Congressman Amo has consistently opposed Trump’s cuts to Americans’ health care.

In April 2026, Amo grilled Trump’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought, over his efforts to slash health care funding, forcing states to make impossible choices and pushing working families to the brink.

In December 2025, Congressman Amoled a town hall with HealthSource RI to answer Rhode Islander’s questions about health care coverage because of the Republican health care crisis.

Amo joined behavioral and mental health leaders at Butler Hospital in October 2025 to discuss how Republican attacks on health care impede Rhode Islanders’ ability to access care.

In September 2025, Congressman Amo rallied with HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang, health care providers, patients, and community leaders at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care to demand that Republicans extend cost-saving Affordable Care Act health insurance tax credits that help Americans afford health care.

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Arrington Advances Reconciliation 3.0

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Budget Committee passed the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, a critical first step in unlocking the reconciliation process to support our troops, secure our elections, and strengthen our food supply.

Upon passage of the resolution, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX–19) issued the following statement:

“Republicans are united and undeterred in our fight to restore America's greatness,” said Chairman Arrington. “We don't have a country if we can't defend it, and we don't have a democracy if people can't trust the outcome of our elections. Passing Reconciliation 3.0 will support our troops, secure our elections, and SAVE America.”

Chairman Arrington delivered the following opening remarks at today's committee markup.

Click here to watch.

Remarks as delivered:

After four years of lawlessness, incompetence, and what I think most Americans believe was a radical agenda after suffering one self-inflicted crisis after another, from the border chaos, to the cost-of-living crisis, 40-year-high inflation, to the projection of weakness on the world stage—the American people said, "Enough."

In the historic 2024 election, the American people overwhelmingly elected Donald Trump and unified Republican leadership here in Washington.

From day one, President Trump has hit the ground at Mach speed and moved with more purpose and urgency than any president in modern history, certainly in my lifetime. He has secured the border and stopped the flow of crime, criminals, and drugs that have been pouring into our communities and threatening the safety of our families.

He has rebuilt the military not on woke ideology but on warfighting, providing for the common defense, and restoring peace through strength.

He stopped the unfair trade practices that were perpetrated on our great nation, leveled the playing field for our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and our workers.

He declared war on fraud. One million dollars every minute of every hour of every day for a year is what is leaking in fraud out of the people's government, and he has a whole-of-government attack on that—over $500 billion a year in fraud.

He's ended the gravy train, free-rider foreign dependence on America's defense, and a whole lot of other things that are making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

For our part, Republicans in Congress passed the first reconciliation bill with no help from our Democrat colleagues to stop what would be the largest tax hike in history. We advanced what was the largest tax cut in history, providing permanent tax relief to hardworking Americans.

We also, in reconciliation one, ended the Green New disaster that was crushing American families and consumers with high energy prices and weakening our country. So, we're restoring American energy dominance.

We rooted out record savings in waste, fraud, and abuse: $1.6 trillion. That's twice as much as any Congress in the history of the United States. And I think, probably most importantly, we made the largest investment in the history of our country in national defense and border security.

So, we boosted the pay of our troops, along with their morale. And most importantly, we strengthened our military to provide for the common defense.

All of this, in the face of what I believe is unprecedented Democrat obstruction.

So let me make that case.

Exhibit A: the first longest shutdown in America's history.

We had an agreement. We put forward a clean continuing resolution to fund the government. We said, let's fund the government at what we agreed to fund it last year until we agree on how we're going to fund it this year.

The Democrats said no for the first time ever and shut the government down.

Here were their demands: repeal the safeguards for American tax dollars to stop them from flowing to people who are not eligible, or who are here illegally, or are capable of working but refuse to work. So, repealing the work that we did to root out waste, fraud, and abuse—that was their demand.

Secondly, later in the process, they demanded that we extend a COVID-era, fraud-ridden program that had defrauded taxpayers by tens of billions of dollars.

Those were their unreasonable and ridiculous demands.

Fast forward: government shutdown number two.

Democrats held hostage the American people's safety and the Department of Homeland Security: our Coast Guardsmen who protect our ports, our Border Patrol who stand in the gap and risk their lives to defend our sovereign border, CISA agents who protect us against cyberattacks—all of it shut down because of what I would say is unserious and even dangerous demands that would have returned our country back to wide-open border chaos, and it would have imperiled the safety of our law enforcement.

We had to use Reconciliation 2.0 just to fund Homeland Security.

My Democrat colleagues would not do that unless we defunded ICE and CBP.

So, we had to use reconciliation as Republicans only—not a single Democrat—to open up Homeland and fund ICE and CBP.

Not one Democrat voted to fund ICE and CBP.

Now we're at Reconciliation 3.0.

We still have obstruction.

I think as recently as two days ago, Democrats in the Senate said no collectively to what is historically a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, which basically are the policies that undergird the entire Pentagon and America's military.

They've also held up FISA, which is a critical tool for our intelligence agencies to protect the American people.

I can keep going down the list, but the message is loud, and it is clear to me that we're not going to get any help from our Democrat colleagues to do what I believe are two critical things to finish the fight that we said we would undertake for the people who gave us unified Republican leadership.

Here's the first and most important one: support our troops in time of conflict.

We can debate where we are, why we're there. You can't debate supporting our sons and daughters in uniform who salute the Commander in Chief and risk their lives for our freedom, for our security, for our ideals, for our interests anywhere, anytime.

This is a defense supplemental. It should be bipartisan. We should be able to work collectively to stand with our troops.

It will not happen, ladies and gentlemen.

We are using reconciliation to just give baseline readiness—not Star Wars and Golden Dome and transformative modernization of the military, just the bombs, bullets, and battlefield readiness for our men and women in uniform to finish the fight successfully and return home safely—that's it.

A $67 billion defense supplemental should be regular order.

We're going to use reconciliation because we're not going to let our troops be held hostage, like we saw our Coast Guardsmen and Border Patrol, etc.

Secondly, we're going to strengthen our food supply.

We're not going to allow instability and a lack of resilience in the food supply.

Food security is national security.

We're not going to be begging China or anybody to feed our families.

Thirdly, we have to do something to give confidence to the American people that there are, in fact, free, fair, and accurate elections.

We have a crisis in confidence in our elections.

Say what you want about corruption and fraud, whether it is in pockets or pervasive, we have a public crisis in confidence.

This may be the greatest threat to our republic.

Voter ID is not about politics; it's about public confidence, and it's an 80-20 issue.

And we have put it on the floor. We have put it on the floor repeatedly and gotten zero help from our Democrat colleagues.

Basic safeguards. Fundamental safeguards.

You need a voter ID to buy a six-pack of beer. You've got to show your ID to check into a hotel. Later on, we'll probably all be on an airplane. We'll have to show our ID.

And yet, we're not getting any support to do that to give confidence and integrity to our elections.

Look, voter ID is essential to the integrity of our elections.

Integrity in elections is indispensable as part of our representative government.

Every law passed by Congress, every judge confirmed, every president sworn into office derives their legitimacy from the confidence Americans have in our elections.

If Americans lose confidence in elections, they will lose confidence in our government, and even worse, they will lose confidence in their share of this great republic.

We celebrate 250 years. We all probably reread the Declaration of Independence.

Just governments—the only just governments—derive their power from the consent of the governed.

You cannot have the consent of the governed, nor can you have a just government, if people don't have confidence—tens of millions of people—in the transfer of the will of the people to their representative leadership in this great nation.

Until we address that, we are walking on shaky ground, and we are hanging by a thin thread.

So, yes, we are going to use reconciliation to make a run at doing what we think will save this country for our children's future and for the remainder of this century.

I can't think of a more important thing to work on.

We are united, and we are rallying to finish what we started when the American people sent us here.

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ICYMI: Fox News Publishes Rep. Brian Babin Op-Ed: "SCOTUS Has Shown Congress a Path on Birthright Citizenship. Lawmakers Must Act."

Washington, D.C. – Today, Fox News published an op-ed by Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and author of the Birthright Citizenship Act, arguing that the Supreme Court has made clear that Congress must act to restore the original intent of the Fourteenth Amendment and reform America's birthright citizenship laws.

In the piece, Rep. Babin writes that Justice Brett Kavanaugh's recent concurrence outlined a legislative path forward, reinforcing that Congress, not the Executive Branch, is the proper institution to address birthright citizenship through federal law.

"The American people deserve an immigration system that rewards legal immigration, respects the Constitution, and places the interests of our citizens first," Babin writes. "The Supreme Court has reinforced that lasting policy changes should come through the legislative process. My legislation provides exactly that vehicle."

Rep. Babin's Birthright Citizenship Act would clarify that automatic citizenship at birth applies only when at least one parent is:

· A United States citizen or national;

· A lawful permanent resident residing in the United States; or

· A lawful immigrant serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

In the op-ed, Babin argues that the current interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment has created incentives for illegal immigration and birth tourism, citing recent investigations in Texas involving hospitals advertising "birth packages" for foreign nationals and alleged birth tourism operations.

"The Birthright Citizenship Act gives Congress the opportunity to restore integrity to our citizenship laws, eliminate incentives for illegal immigration, and reaffirm that American citizenship is a precious privilege—not an automatic entitlement available to anyone who crosses our borders," Babin writes.

The congressman concludes by urging lawmakers to act now.

"The time for debate alone has passed. The time for action is now."


Bacon Announces $5.5 Million FAA Grant Supporting Eppley Airfield Expansion

Funding Brings Federal Support Bacon Has Helped Secure for Eppley to More Than $120 Million

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) announced today that Eppley Airfield received a $5,520,462 Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to support infrastructure improvements tied to the airport’s ongoing expansion. The funding will support reconstruction of the existing Locust Street Pump Station, including electrifying the pump motors and upgrading the control system to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

Throughout his ten years in Congress, Rep. Bacon has made improvements to Eppley Airfield one of his top priorities, helping secure more than $120 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congressionally Directed Spending, Airport Improvement Program grants and other funding sources. These investments are supporting Eppley’s ongoing modernization, improving airport infrastructure, expanding capacity and strengthening Omaha’s connection to the rest of the country and the world.

“It has been thrilling to see construction on the airport expansion take place and realize how much this will add to Omaha’s entrance,” said Rep. Bacon. “This latest grant builds on more than $120 million we have helped secure for Eppley Airfield and will support important infrastructure upgrades as the airport continues its transformation. This expansion will enable Eppley to meet the travel needs of the growing metropolitan Omaha area and welcome international flights. It will shape our region’s future for many decades to come and be vital for Omaha’s economy. I’m pleased to work with the leaders at Eppley and Sen. Fischer in creating what will become the best airport in the Midwest.”

“This is fantastic news for Eppley Airport and the millions of travelers who rely on it. These continued federal investments are helping improve the capacity, safety, and efficiency of the airport. I am proud of the work Rep. Bacon and I have done to direct federal resources to Eppley over the years, and we will continue to do so in the future,” said Sen. Fischer.

“The Omaha Airport Authority was pleased to be notified by Congressman Bacon’s office that Eppley Airfield will be receiving a Federal Aviation Administration grant from the Airport Improvement Program for upgrades to utility infrastructure at Eppley Airfield,” said Dave Roth, Chief Executive Officer of the Omaha Airport Authority. “The funds will support resilience of critical systems including upgrades to the primary storm water pumping station for the airfield and terminal areas.”

The Locust Street Pump Station project will replace and enhance existing diesel-fueled pump equipment with electric drive motors, rehabilitate stormwater pumps, upgrade controls and support related electrical improvements. The grant funds a portion of the project and is associated with a Congressionally Directed Spending grant that funds the remaining eligible portion.

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Congressman Baird Introduces Bill to Give States, Territories, and Tribes a Stronger Voice at EPA

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced H.R. 9663 the State Standing Committee Act. This bill establishes a State Standing Committee to advise the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The committee would give on-the-ground experience from each state and region counseling EPA decisions.

"The federal government always does better when local input is paramount in its decision making," said Congressman Baird. "The EPA is no different, and this State Standing Committee can provide the key information, context, and expertise that only come from the states, territories, and tribes where much of the EPA’s work originates. I strongly urge my fellow committee members to pass the State Science Committee Act. Local experts should have input in the decisions directly affecting their own communities."

The State Standing Committee (SSC) would serve as a complementary body to the Science Advisory Board (SAB), which is tasked with providing the EPA Administrator national-level scientific counsel. However, unlike SAB members, who are appointed based on a broad range of backgrounds and qualifications, SSC members would be employees of state, territorial, or tribal agencies. By creating a formal mechanism for submitting region-specific scientific and technical advice, the SSC would help ensure that local expertise is represented and more effectively integrates local perspectives into federal policymaking and regulatory actions. When appropriate, SSC members could convene working groups to address regional or multi-jurisdictional issues.

Additional Background:

The State Standing Committee would include one member from each state, federal district, federal territory, and federally recognized tribe to advise the EPA on agency decisions.

The bill also expands the Science Advisory Board's authority to receive matters not only from the EPA Administrator but also appropriate congressional committees.

Member Qualifications:

Reside within their respective state, federal district, federal territory, or federally recognized tribe.

Be employed by a government agency within their respective jurisdiction responsible for environmental protection, natural resources, agriculture, or regulatory compliance with environmental standards.

Possess relevant education, training, or professional experience to evaluate scientific or technical information.

To avoid conflicts of interest, State Standing Committee members may not simultaneously serve on or be employed by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board.


Rep. Balint Introduces Amendment to Republican Budget Resolution to Stop Funding for Unauthorized War in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced an amendment during the House Budget Committee's markup of the Republican budget resolution to strike $73 billion in funding for President Trump's unauthorized war in Iran.

Balint's amendment would have prohibited funding for military action that has not been explicitly authorized by Congress, reaffirming Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and rejecting what she called another Republican "blank check" for President Trump's military escalation.

"A colleague on the other side earlier in this hearing said this was all a game...It's not a game at all. It's deadly serious," said Rep. Balint during the committee markup. "Americans are disgusted when we think of the work that we do here as a game. And it's truly astounding that we're here, again, considering a highly partisan budget resolution for a third Republican reconciliation bill that increases costs and does nothing to help the people back home. So, let's level set. What are we doing here? Why are we here today? This is about waging war, a war that we were told for the last five months isn't really a war."

Balint criticized Republicans for rushing the budget resolution through committee with little transparency while proposing tens of billions of dollars in additional military spending without identifying how it would be paid for.

"My [Republican] colleagues constantly howl that the deficit is one of the nation's greatest challenges, yet this resolution contains no substantive ideas for how to pay for this massive increase in spending,” Balint said. “Meanwhile, we hear constantly that we can't possibly afford healthcare or food for Americans...and yet, when it comes to approving tens of billions of dollars in additional Pentagon spending, they’re a rubber stamp...there's always time for more war."

Balint noted that Congress had already passed a bipartisan War Powers Resolution directing the President to end U.S. military involvement in Iran absent explicit congressional authorization.

"Republicans are in charge of Congress, and they have repeatedly written a blank check for however much Donald Trump wants to pay for any of his pet projects and priorities. They have given up the people's power spelled out in Article I of the Constitution,” she remarked. “Our power as members of Congress is the people's power. That's why I'm introducing an amendment that would prohibit any spending on unauthorized wars, striking the $73 billion in spending [dedicated for the Department of Defense.]"

Later, Balint pushed back against Republican claims that opposing the funding package would weaken national security.

"With all due respect, Mr. Chair, I am sick and tired of hearing from my colleagues on the other side that Democrats want to put national security at risk. Tired of it. When I've got family members of people who are in harm's way right now in the Middle East, who are put in harm's way in Venezuela, who don't have confidence that we are making smart decisions about how we spend our military money. So please, spare me,” said Balint. “The bottom line is that this budget resolution is a poorly planned, poorly drafted backdoor deal to pay for President Trump's decision to start a war with Iran. It's irresponsible. He didn't know how he was going to get out of it. And we see it played out every single day on the news. We deserve so much better than that.”

Balint urged her colleagues to support her amendment and reject the Republican budget resolution, arguing it prioritizes funding an unauthorized war over lowering costs and investing in the needs of American families. Ultimately, the amendment failed on a party-line vote, with every Republican on the committee voting against it.

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Bera, House Intelligence Committee Democrats Call on Intelligence Community Leadership to Rebut Trump’s Election Lies

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (CT-04) and all other Democratic members of the Committee in sending a letter to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, and National Security Agency Director Joshua Rudd. The Members called on the Intelligence Community leaders to protect the integrity and independence of their agencies and reject efforts to use intelligence to advance President Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election.

The letter comes ahead of President Trump’s speech tonight where he reportedly plans to reveal foreign plans to interfere in the 2020 election.

“It is concerning that at a time when the Intelligence Community is not complying with its legal responsibilities to protect our upcoming elections, it appears focused instead on discrediting past elections without evidence,” the Members wrote. “The facts of the 2020 election have long been settled. The Intelligence Community assessed in a declassified Intelligence Community Assessment from 2021 that, ‘We have no indications that any foreign actor attempted to interfere in the 2020 US elections by altering any technical aspect of the voting process.’ No intelligence to the contrary has ever been provided to the Committee, despite repeated requests for updates. This declassified finding is backed by detailed intelligence in a classified version of the same assessment, including a version that remains restricted to the Gang of 8. Notably, this Intelligence Community Assessment was prepared during President Trump’s first term in office and coordinated by then-Director of National Intelligence Ratcliffe.”

The Members continued: “The President is within his authority to declassify intelligence, but if he does so in a way that is intended to mislead Americans about the most basic foundation of our democracy and that may compromise sources and methods, it is incumbent on you to stand up for the agencies you lead. Before any intelligence is publicly disclosed, it should be coordinated with all relevant Intelligence Community elements, reviewed under applicable analytic tradecraft standards, and provided to the congressional intelligence committees.”

“We remind you that you are statutorily obligated to keep the Committee fully and currently informed, a requirement that should include notification of new intelligence related to election influence or interference as well as any significant declassification. A reckless effort to weaponize intelligence to support false claims about election security will have a lasting and destructive impact on the relationship between the Intelligence Community and its oversight committees, as well as on the trust of the American people. We sincerely hope you do not go down that road,” they concluded.


Rep. Bera Introduces Legislation to Protect America’s Diplomatic Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, introduced the Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act, legislation to safeguard employees at the Department of State and other foreign affairs agencies from unjustified reductions in force.

This week marks one year since more than 1,350 dedicated Civil and Foreign Service employees were terminated from the Department of State without adequate justification. Congress still has not received clear answers about the basis for these dismissals or the resulting loss of institutional expertise from America’s diplomatic workforce.

“America’s diplomats and civil servants play an essential role in protecting our national security, assisting Americans overseas, and advancing our interests around the world,” said Representative Bera. “The mass dismissals carried out one year ago lacked the transparency, justification, and careful planning that decisions of this magnitude demand.”

“This legislation would ensure future workforce reductions are based on merit, subject to meaningful congressional oversight, and carefully evaluated for their impact on America’s diplomatic presence and advance our values and interests around the world,” Bera continued. “We cannot afford to lose experienced public servants and decades of institutional knowledge without a clear and compelling justification.”

“AFSA welcomes the introduction in the House of the Protecting America’s Diplomatic Workforce Act, which would restore transparency, fairness, and merit-based standards to the Foreign Service reduction-in-force process,” said American Foreign Service Association President John Dinkelman. “The bill would reverse the administration’s unilateral 2025 changes, codify longstanding RIF procedures, restore worldwide competition, and eliminate the nonsensical practice of treating individual offices as separate competitive areas.”

The legislation would apply to the Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, Millennium Challenge Corporation, United States International Development Finance Corporation, Peace Corps, Foreign Agricultural Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Commercial Service, United States Trade and Development Agency, and United States Agency for Global Media and its networks.

Original co-sponsors of this legislation are Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Mike Quigley (IL-05).

In 2025, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen introduced companion legislation in the Senate.