ICYMI: FOX News: Jim Banks, GOP Lawmakers rally behind DOJ Probe into alleged CCP-linked Funding Network

Republican lawmakers are backing a federal grand jury investigation into alleged financial crimes involving businessman Neville Roy Singham, citing concerns over his reported funding of organizations with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party

Click the here to read the full story from Fox News or read below.

FIRST ON FOX: Top members of Congress are supporting a federal grand jury investigation into alleged financial crimes committed by Neville Roy Singham, tied to his funding of socialist, communist and Marxist organizations.

According to a Fox News Digital investigation, Singham has funneled $278 million into the broad network of nonprofits since 2017. As reported, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche authorized a grand jury in Manhattan to issue subpoenas as part of a probe of Singham’s financial network. The investigation was launched by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York, one of the country’s most powerful districts for federal prosecutions. Singham hasn’t responded to repeated requests for comment that Fox News Digital has sent him over the past several months.

“Neville Singham is a traitor to our country. He has ties to the CCP,” Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, told Fox News Digital. “He is an American citizen, but all of his loyalties lie with the Chinese Communist Party. And when you begin to untangle the web of his massive fortune and his philanthropic activities, the money that he sends to left-wing groups in America, and not just groups that espouse ideologies, but espouse violence.”

Last April, Banks sounded the alarm about the Singham network, calling on former Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate CodePink, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has received funds from Singham. Co-founded by Singham’s wife, Jodie Evans, CodePink hasn’t responded to repeated requests for comment. Neither has Evans.

Earlier this year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to New York City for a meeting with Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon, and sources told Fox News Digital that Bessent gave a blunt ultimatum to Solomon.

Bessent told Solomon that Goldman Sachs could face scrutiny for alleged conspiracy in the funneling of the Singham money and urged Solomon to cooperate with federal investigators.

A person familiar with the meeting told Fox News Digital that the discussion wasn’t contentious and that Solomon readily agreed to pledge his cooperation with the Justice Department investigation. A spokesperson for the bank said “all distributions from Mr. Singham’s donor-advised fund were made to legal nonprofits, as determined by the IRS. There have been no distributions from the account since August 2023, and it was closed in early 2024.”

Banks serves on the Senate Banking Committee, which is responsible for bank oversight and regulation. The Indiana senator explained that Goldman’s cooperation is welcome news, but that Wall Street should be more cautious about working with individuals tied to “our biggest enemy.”

“It sounds like Goldman wants to put this to bed,” Banks explained. “They want to do their part to help the investigation. But Wall Street should know that you can’t get away with helping our biggest enemy. You can’t get away with helping the Chinese Communist Party through money funneled through tech billionaires like Neville Singham. You will be held accountable for that.”

In his letter to Bondi, Banks also raised concerns about CodePink potentially violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The law requires individuals or entities acting as agents of foreign principals to register as foreign agents and publicly disclose their finances and relationships.

“CodePink has clearly become an agent of CCP influence in the United States. Despite activities and funding so blatant that even the New York Times acknowledged the organization’s activities ‘usually require’ groups to register under FARA, Code Pink has not registered with the DOJ,” the letter read.

A number of lawmakers weighed in on news of the DOJ’s recent grand jury probe of Singham’s finances, including Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), who is running for chairman of the House Oversight Committee.

Fallon recently announced his run with Fox News Digital and said at the time that holding accountable nonprofits aligned with the CCP and tied to Singham would be one of his priorities if he secured the chairmanship.

“Far-left NGOs are the means by which U.S. adversaries like communist China work to undermine our country,” Fallon told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. “Groups like CodePink, which Singham has funded, openly spew CCP propaganda. Their objective is to spark division, resentment and unrest.”

“My colleagues and I on the House Oversight Committee have been committed to dismantling the dark network of communist NGOs, which is why we sent a letter to the DOJ earlier this year urging them to expose these groups for what they really are. We cannot stop until we put an end to the communist threat facing our Republic here at home.”

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., who launched an investigation into the Singham nonprofit network last year, took to social media to say the grand jury investigation is overdue.

“It’s about time he is brought to justice, and he is held accountable for his ties to the CCP,” Smith said on X. For years, critics like Smith have alleged that Singham has used the generous tax status awarded to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to fund left-wing chaos in streets across the country.

A Fox News Digital investigation uncovered a video that showed Singham calling for a “new world order’ promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party during the “Global South Academic Forum,” in Beijing last year.

Singham has funneled millions into a network of nonprofits that regularly mobilize agitators for demonstrations across the country, including anti-ICE protests and anti-Israel protests.

His financial contributions, which were routed through Goldman Sachs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund For Wealth Management Inc., include an estimated $22.44 million to People’s Forum Inc., a hub for far-left activity in Manhattan, and at least $223 million and other forms of support into a global network of organizations.

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ICYMI: Sen. Banks joins America Reports on Fox News Channel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined America Reports on Fox News Channel to discuss the rise of Socialism in the Democratic Party and declining national pride among registered Democrats.

Click the image above for full discussion.

Key Excerpts:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “We shouldn’t be surprised when only 29% of democrats today say that they are proud to be American. Here on the eve of America 250, the celebration of the greatest country in the history of world, and you see that these democrats fundamentally hate America. These 3 socialists, communist, democrats, who were nominated in New York, what they say and what they believe, one of them said they hate our flag so much she washed her hands with it. Another said we should give amnesty to those illegals who were deported. Another one is a prison abolitionist. These are lunatic democrats with a dangerous ideology…”

“By the way this isn’t a game. This is about our country, and what kind of country we are going to give to our kids and grandkids. These are democrats who believe in defunding the police, they believe in open borders, they want to use taxpayer dollars to fund transgender surgeries. This is a radical democrat party that is dangerous for America. They want to fundamentally uproot the founding principles and change it into something that’s very different that fits the communist socialist ideology. We can’t let that happen…”

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ICYMI: Sen. Banks joins Fox News Digital to discuss Neville Roy Singham Investigation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), joined Fox News Digital to discuss the federal grand jury investigation into alleged financial crimes committed by Neville Roy Singham, tied to his funding of a socialist, communist, and Marxist organizations.

Sen. Banks wrote a letter to former Attorney General Pam Bondi in February alerting the Department of Justice about the Singham network.

Click the image above for full discussion.

Key Excerpts:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Neville Singham is a traitor to our country. He has ties to the CCP. He is an American citizen, but all of his loyalties lie with the Chinese Communist Party. And when you begin to untangle the web of massive fortune and philanthropic activities, the money he sends to left wing groups in America, and not the groups that espouse ideology, but espouse violence…”

“This guy’s motivations are directly anti-American. He is sowing seeds of violence and distrust in America. And he’s funneling billions of dollars into these groups. And then you find out he’s married to the co-founder of Code Pink… Code Pink is directly tied to the Chinese Communist Party because of this funding. There is no room for those groups to be involved in our political discourse…”

“Congress has a direct role to provide that type of oversight. We should be looking at loopholes that Neville Singham and his groups and activities have taken advantage of and close those loopholes through congressional action. At the end of the day, we need the Department of Justice and the Federal Government to step up and hold Neville Singham accountable as well…”

“It sounds like Goldman wants to put this to bed. They want to do their part to help the investigation. But Wall Street should know that you can’t get away with helping our biggest enemy. You can’t get away with helping the Chinese Communist Part through money funnel through tech billionaires like Neville Singham. You will be held accountable for that.”

Read more here.

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Blumenthal Statement on Eversource & Avangrid Lawsuit Challenging State Utilities Law

[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released a statement today following the announcement that Eversource and Avangrid have filed a lawsuit challenging a state law that eliminates a financial bonus the utilities receive for connecting their transmission systems to the regional grid.

“The amount of chutzpah in filing this lawsuit is only exceeded by Eversource and Avangrid’s greed. They seem to forget they are PUBLIC utilities, serving Connecticut residents first. To file this lawsuit as our state prepares for dangerous and record setting heat this week is not only completely tone deaf, it is deeply callous. Time to reassess this public utility model where companies are only interested in profits for Wall Street,” said Blumenthal.

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Blumenthal Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Birthright Citizenship

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the below statement following the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in Trump v. Barbara to uphold automatic citizenship for children born in the United States:

“Today's decision is an incredible relief to the thousands of United States citizens born on American soil, whose citizenship is incontrovertible. In America we follow the language of the Constitution, not the edicts of pretend Kings. Although I am heartened by the Supreme Court's majority decision in this case, birthright citizenship should never have been up for debate. I know this is not the end of the Trump Administration's attacks on immigrant communities and I will never stop fighting for our Constitutional rights.”

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Booker, Senate Judiciary Democrats Demand Todd Blanche Answer Dozens of Oversight Requests Ignored by DOJ

As Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General is under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee and he’s been heavily involved in key DOJ issues, it’s imperative that the Committee receive sufficient responses to the laundry list of outstanding inquiries be provided before his hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats led by Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL) in pressing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for answers on dozens of oversight matters that remain outstanding, either due to no response, insufficient response, or only partial response from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In light of the unprecedented decision to combine Todd Blanche’s Attorney General nomination hearing with the annual Justice Department oversight hearing, the Senators deem these responses as critical ahead of the July 15 hearing, given Blanche’s leadership role over many of these issues and direct responsibility answering for DOJ’s actions now that he serves as Acting Attorney General.

“We write to request immediate responses to the dozens of oversight requests we have made of the Department of Justice (DOJ) throughout the 119th Congress that remain outstanding. Although not all members signed each letter, we all agree that it is critical the Department respond to all Congressional oversight. You currently seek Senate confirmation as Attorney General, but you also currently serve as the most senior Senate-confirmed official at the Department, and consequently, you are also responsible for ensuring that DOJ abides by Congress’s constitutional oversight authority. Additionally, given your tenure as the Deputy Attorney General, and now as Acting Attorney General, the Committee cannot properly assess your nomination without these responses, due to the fact that these issues reflect on your character and abilities as an attorney and public servant,” the senators wrote.

“As the Department has had months, and more than a year in many instances, to provide these responses, please ensure that the Committee receives complete responses to all the following requests by July 8,” the senators concluded.

The Senators cite the following outstanding requests with no response:

January 29, 2025: Letter Requesting Access to Volume II of Special Counsel Smith’s Report

February 3, 2025: Letters Regarding Purges of Senior Career Civil Servants Across DOJ and FBI

February 4, 2025: Letter Regarding Reassignment of Assistant U.S. Attorneys to Immigration Enforcement

February 20, 2025: Letter Regarding Replacement of Career Ethics Officials With Inexperience Political Appointees

February 26, 2025: Letter Regarding Compliance with the CLOUD Act

March 3, 2025: Letter Regarding Termination and Redirection of National Security Career Civil Servants Toward Immigration Enforcement

March 20, 2025: Letter Regarding Shuttering of DOJ’s Public Integrity Section

March 21, 2025: Letter Regarding Trump Administration Reduction and Termination of BOP Retention Incentives

March 26, 2025: Letter Regarding Baseless Termination of Pardon Attorney

March 31, 2025: Letter Regarding Blanche’s Confirmation Hearing Testimony

April 1, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Position on Scope of January 6 Pardons Covering Unrelated, Subsequent Criminal Conduct

April 1, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Role in President Trump’s Baseless Assertion that President Biden’s Pardons Are Void

April 18, 2025: Letter Regarding U.S. Marshal Visit to Former Pardon Attorney Oyer

April 30, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ Grant Terminations

May 2, 2025: Letter Regarding then-Attorney General Bondi’s Lobbying Private Prison Contractor Conflicts of Interest

May 8, 2025: Letter Regarding Change to Department Guidance on Subpoenaing Information About Confidential Sources from Journalists

May 21, 2025: Record Preservation Request Regarding Pattern and Practice Investigations

June 9, 2025: Letter Regarding Detention of SEIU President Huerta

June 12, 2025: Letter Regarding Ed Martin’s Abuses at DOJ

June 12, 2025: Letter Regarding BIA Decision to Weaken Legal Protections for DACA

June 19, 2025: Letter Requesting Information Regarding Alleged Misconduct by Emil Bove in United States v. Nejad

July 14, 2025: Letter Regarding Weaponization of Immigration Court Hearings to Trap and Arrest Immigrants

July 16, 2025: Letter Regarding Termination of Director of DOJ’s Departmental Ethics Office

July 16, 2025: Letter Regarding then-DAAG Bove’s Role in Epstein Files Review

July 23, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility’s Investigation into Emil Bove’s Alleged Misconduct in United States v. Nejad

July 28, 2025: Letter Regarding Arrangement of Ghislaine Maxwell Interview and Review of Epstein Files

August 7, 2025: Letter Regarding Transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to Minimum-Security Prison

September 3, 2025: Letter Regarding Hiring Jared Wise, Convicted January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulter, as a Senior Adviser at DOJ

September 3, 2025: Letter Regarding Deployment of National Guard to Chicago

September 4, 2025: Letter Regarding Partisan Terminations of Career Civil Servants

September 5, 2025: Letter Regarding Politicization of DOJ’s Antitrust Division

September 15, 2025: Letter Regarding Diminished National Security Expertise and Capacity Due to Terminations and Reassignments

September 23, 2025: Questions for the Record Following the September 16, 2025 Hearing Concerning Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with Director Patel

September 23, 2025: Letter Regarding Termination of Tom Homan Corruption Investigation

September 30, 2025: Letter Regarding Use of JAG Officers as DOJ Immigration Judges

September 30, 2025: Follow-up Letter Regarding Restitution Payments for Convicted January 6 Insurrectionists

October 14, 2025: Questions for the Record Following the October 7, 2025 Hearing Concerning Oversight of the Department of Justice with then-Attorney General Bondi

October 29, 2025: Letter Regarding President Trump’s $230 Million Taxpayer Funded Settlement Requests

October 29, 2025: Letter Regarding Unlawfulness of President Trump’s Military Strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific

October 30, 2025: Letter Regarding Partisan Deployment of Election Monitors

November 6, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Voter Roll Requests to States

November 19, 2025: Letter Regarding Partisan Terminations of FBI Agents and Intervention of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the District of Columbia

December 9, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ and FBI Weaponization Against Members of Congress for Constitutionally Protected Speech Reiterating Federal Law

January 22, 2026: Letter Regarding Killing of Renée Good

January 26, 2026: Letter Regarding Creation of Second Amendment Section within DOJ’s Civil Rights Division

January 28, 2026: Letter Regarding Blanche Cryptocurrency Conflicts

January 29, 2026: Follow-up Letter on DOJ’s Voter Roll Requests to States

February 9, 2026: Record Preservation Request Regarding Investigations of Senators Kelly and Slotkin’s Constitutionally Protected Speech Reiterating Federal Law

February 25, 2026: Request for Investigation into Decision to Block Use of Force Investigation in January 7 Killing of Renée Good

February 26, 2026: Record Preservation Request Regarding Review, Redaction, and Production of Epstein Files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and Earlier Reviews

March 9, 2026: Record Preservation Request Regarding Allegations Against President Trump within Epstein Files and Missing FBI 302 Interview Memorializations

March 16, 2026: Letter Regarding OCDETF Operation Trip Knot’s Uncovering of Financial Links to Jeffrey Epstein

March 16, 2026: Letter Regarding DOJ’s NPRM on Interfering with State Bar Disciplinary Processes

March 16, 2026: Criminal Referral Regarding Former Secretary Noem’s Perjury Before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees

April 13, 2026: Letter Regarding Former Attorney General Bondi’s Departure

April 15, 2026: Letter Regarding Halkbank Deferred Prosecution Agreement

April 20, 2026: Records Preservation Request Regarding Incidents FBI Director Patel’s Impairment and Absences on the Job

April 26, 2026: Letter Regarding Status of Investigation into then-Federal Reserve Chair Powell

May 11, 2026: Letter Regarding BOP Policies Concerning Transgender Inmates

May 18, 2026: Letter Regarding Blanche Recusal Issues

May 26, 2026: Letter Regarding Purported Anti-Weaponization Fund

The Senators cite the following outstanding requests with only partial or insufficient response:

February 28, 2025: Letter Regarding Shuttering of Task Force KleptoCapture

March 11, 2025: Letter Regarding Investigation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

March 17, 2025: Letter Regarding DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force

March 26, 2025: Letter Regarding Baseless Termination of Pardon Attorney

March 28, 2025: Letter Regarding Termination of Immigration Judges at Executive Office of Immigration Review

April 10, 2025: Letter Regarding Cryptocurrency Enforcement

May 15, 2025: Letter Requesting then-Attorney General Bondi’s Legal Memorandum Concluding President Trump’s Receipt of $400 Million Qatari Jet Was “Legally Permissible”

July 1, 2025: Letter Regarding Emil Bove’s Direction to DOJ Officials to Mislead Courts

July 17, 2025: Letter Regarding Baseless Voter Fraud Investigations

July 18, 2025: Letter Regarding July 7 DOJ/FBI Memo on Jeffrey Epstein Files and Death by Suicide

July 28, 2025: Letter Regarding Blanche’s Interview of Ghislaine Maxwell

September 15, 2025: Letter Regarding Attempt to Unlawfully Remove Unaccompanied Children

September 26, 2025: Letter Regarding U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Attempted Prosecution of Former FBI Director Comey

February 13, 2026: Letter Regarding Removal of Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Antitrust Division Slater

Read the full copy of the letter to Blanche here.


Booker, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Invest America Host New Jersey Community Launch Event for Children’s Investment Accounts

NEWARK, NJ — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties CEO Carlos Lejnieks and Invest America founder Brad Gerstner for a community celebration marking the launch of children’s investment accounts — also known as Trump Accounts — a transformational national initiative designed to help families build long-term financial security for children across America.

These accounts, building on proposals including Senator Booker’s American Opportunity Accounts Act — known as “Baby Bonds” — are private, tax-advantaged, interest-bearing savings accounts available to every American child at birth. Each account is seeded with a $1,000 federal investment and can grow through contributions from family, friends, philanthropists, and employers who want to invest in the futures of their employees’ children. The accounts officially go live on July 4.

"Today marks the beginning of a new generation of American children growing up with a stronger foundation to redeem the American Dream," said Booker. "I have fought for this idea for years, because it is the kind of big, bold idea that will have a tangible and transformational impact on our country. There are children born today, like those in the neighborhood where I live in Newark, whose parents work hard every single day but have never had the chance to build generational wealth. With a children's investment savings account, seeded with $1,000, those kids will have something that grows with them from birth, putting them on a path toward wealth-building that can help them afford college, open a small business, or buy their first home. When we invest in our children, we affirm their worth, we honor their dreams, and we declare that opportunity should never depend on the ZIP code you're born into or the wealth your family inherited."

“This is such an important policy conversation to have with the families in our communities, not only to spread awareness of the opportunity but as encouragement that there can be a path to college, no matter your situation,” said Carlos Lejnieks, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. “We are honored to partner with Senator Booker to get the word out and for his longtime support of our mentoring mission.”

“Senator Booker has long understood and fought for children’s investment accounts and was an early supporter of the Invest America Act,”said Brad Gerstner, Founder of Invest America. “On July 4, every child born forevermore will get a Trump Account with a $1,000 free lifetime investment account. There are 1.1 million kids under 10 in New Jersey eligible to claim their account right now with at least $250 in the account. Claiming the account automatically makes each child a shareholder in the S&P 500 — companies like Apple, Walmart & Nvidia. With simple savings and compounding, the accounts can be worth $50,000 at 18, $200,000 at age 30.”

Senator Booker has long championed Baby Bonds as a transformational tool to close the racial wealth gap and make economic opportunity a birthright for every American child. He first introduced the American Opportunity Accounts Act in 2018 and has pushed for its implementation throughout his time in the Senate. In December 2025, Booker and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) sent a letter to Fortune 1000 CEOs urging them to support child investment accounts.

At today’s event, parents and families received step-by-step guidance on how to enroll and activate their children’s accounts. Leaders underscored the urgency of the moment: billions of dollars from the federal government and philanthropists are now available to families upon enrollment. Youth and community partners joined Senator Booker and Brad Gerstner for a conversation about how this program represents one of the most significant investments in children’s futures in U.S. history.


Booker, Merkley, Krishnamoorthi, Bynum Urge EPA to Begin Monitoring Microplastics in America's Drinking Water

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), along with U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8) and Janelle Bynum (D-OR-5), led a bicameral letter joined by 53 colleagues urging EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to include microplastics in the agency’s Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). The lawmakers argue that EPA should begin monitoring microplastics in America's drinking water, citing a growing body of research linking the emerging contaminant to serious adverse health effects.

In their letter, the lawmakers note that emerging research has found microplastics throughout the human body and are associated with lung disease, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, impaired kidney and liver function, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They argue that adding microplastics to UCMR 6 would provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and help ensure the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people.

"As plastic production continues to expand rapidly, microplastics pose a potential threat to public health in the United States. Emerging research demonstrates that microplastics are now pervasive in the human body and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Concentrations of microplastics in human brain tissue have been reported to increase by nearly 50 percent between 2016 and 2024," the lawmakers wrote.

"Accordingly, we urge the EPA to add microplastics to UCMR 6 and to design a robust, nationwide monitoring program for microplastics in drinking water. Doing so will provide critical transparency regarding exposure, inform future health-protective standards under SDWA, and help ensure that the federal government meets its responsibility to protect the health and safety of the American people,” the lawmakers concluded.

The letter also highlights growing bipartisan congressional interest in better understanding how microplastics affect Americans' health, pointing to the recently introduced bipartisan, bicameral Microplastics Safety Act and ARPA-H's STOMP program to develop technologies to measure and remove microplastics from the body. The lawmakers argue EPA has a critical role to play as the primary agency regulating drinking water.


Boozman, Padilla, Curtis Lead Bill to Strengthen Rural Water Infrastructure and Wildfire Readiness

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Firefighting Infrastructure for Rural and Exurban Smaller Municipalities Augmenting Residential Fuels Treatments (FIRE SMART) Act, legislation to expand funding eligibility for projects with fire suppression benefits in high-risk rural areas.

“We have seen wildfires threaten states across the West, and even in Arkansas, with deadly and devastating effects. I am proud to support a bipartisan solution that can help combat them and protect lives and communities by enhancing support for water systems while maintaining access to safe drinking water,” said Boozman.

“While we’ve made progress in wildfire mitigation and prevention, too many rural communities still lack the water infrastructure needed to effectively respond when disaster strikes,” said Padilla. “The FIRE SMART Act changes that reality by strengthening water systems and giving rural communities the tools they need to keep homes and families safe. While we can’t predict when wildfires will strike, this commonsense legislation will help ensure rural communities are better prepared when they do.”

“As wildfires continue to threaten Utah and the West, rural communities need access to the tools and infrastructure necessary to protect lives and property,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation makes targeted, commonsense reforms to allow certain drinking water projects that also strengthen wildfire resilience to qualify for federal support. By helping small, high-risk communities upgrade critical water infrastructure, we can improve public safety while maintaining the core mission of providing reliable drinking water.”

The bipartisan legislation would help build rural communities’ resiliency by optimizing water infrastructure to provide the flow necessary for emergency responders to save lives and property during an active wildfire. The legislation would amend the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to expand eligibility for water infrastructure projects that have both drinking water and wildfire suppression benefits, and are in communities at high risk for wildfires with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) also cosponsored the bill.

The FIRE SMART Act is endorsed by several organizations including the National Special Districts Association, National Association of Emergency and Fire Officials and Family Farm Alliance.

Click here to view full bill text.

Click here to view a bill summary.


Budd Joins Risch, Shaheen, and Colleagues in Releasing Bipartisan Statement Pushing Back on China’s Ethnic Unity Law

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in releasing a statement ahead of the Chinese government’s enactment of a law promoting “ethnic unity and progress.”

In a joint statement, the Senators said:

“For decades, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has denied ethnic and religious minority groups—including Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians—the right to self-determination, even as this internationally recognized human right remains in China’s constitution. China’s newly enacted Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, approved by its rubber-stamp parliament, codifies Beijing’s unjust policies that increasingly seek to erase the religion, culture, and language of minority groups located both inside and outside China.

“In particular, we are deeply concerned by language in the law that demands ideological compliance with the CCP, mandating that even people outside China deemed to be undermining ‘ethnic unity and progress’ by the Chinese government can be held legally responsible in China. This sweeping legislation gives Beijing near limitless authority to prosecute those who would speak out against Beijing’s oppression and only continues its development of a legal framework to legitimize its transnational repression.

“We will continue to push back against the CCP’s efforts to undermine the sovereignty of other countries and support the internationally recognized human rights of Tibetans, Uyghurs, and other ethnic and minority groups. All people deserve to have a say in their own future, preserve their culture, and freely express their religious beliefs.”

U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also joined in releasing the statement.

Additionally, the House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.-02), Select Committee Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), and Representative Young Kim (R-Calif.-40) joined as well.

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Cantwell Statement on Trump Admin Refusing to Renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement

U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement supports over 320,000 jobs & $11 billion in exports in Washington state

EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, released the following statement on the Trump administration refusing to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

“The formal review of the USMCA started today. The agreement and the subsequent investments in supply chains built on a three-country market have created wealth and opportunity for all of North America. I ask the USTR to negotiate in good faith with our partners and extend the agreement.”

Mexico and Canada support more than 320,000 jobs across Washington state and account for $11 billion in exports – or around 20% of Washington state’s total exports. In the past year, Washington state businesses saved over $126 million thanks to the USMCA reducing or eliminating tariff costs, according to a recent report.

Sen. Cantwell previously called on the Trump administration to renew the USMCA, citing its importance to Washington state manufacturers, farmers, and consumers.

In March 2026, Sen. Cantwell joined 21 Senate Democrats in introducing legislation requiring refunds of President Trump’s illegal tariffs, which collected approximately $175 billion in revenue and jacked up prices for American families.


Capito Announces $47 Million for Roads and Bridges in Hardy and Kanawha Counties

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced more than $47 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.

This grant funding for the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) includes $23 million for the Corridor H – Waites Run to Virginia State Line Project, which would support the completion of construction work along 3.7 miles of the Corridor H expressway from Waites Run to the Virginia state line. WVDOT also received $24 million to support repairs on the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge on Interstate 64 in Kanawha County.

“I am very pleased to announce this latest funding for WVDOT, which will help complete two essential projects for transportation and commerce in West Virginia. Both the improvements to the Eugene A. Carter Bridge in Kanawha County and the construction of Corridor H in Hardy County play key roles in the present and future connectivity of our state. The Carter Bridge is the most heavily travelled bridge in West Virginia, and these improvements will positively impact the commutes of countless West Virginians. The construction of Corridor H also remains one of my top priorities and will transform the movement of people and goods across our state. As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I was proud to secure these funds for two vital West Virginia projects, and I will continue to fight for federal funding to support the development and modernization of our infrastructure so that West Virginian families, first responders, and businesses can move more easily across our beautiful state,” Chairman Capito said.

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Capito Applauds Mine Rescue and Emergency Preparedness Grant Funding Opportunity

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, applauded the availability of up to $250,000 in Brookwood-Sago Grants from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The funding will support mine safety, health education, and mine emergency preparedness efforts.

The Brookwood-Sago Grant Program honors the West Virginia miners lost in the 2006 Sago Mine disaster. The program was created by the MINER Act, which Senator Capito introduced while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. This funding will enhance mine safety by funding the development and implementation of mine safety training exercises.

“Coal mining is a proud tradition here in the Mountain State, and the men and women who work in our mines deserve every resource possible to keep them safe,” Senator Capito said. “Investments in mine safety training and equipment are critical to ensuring our mine rescue teams and fire brigades are prepared to respond when it matters most. I applaud the DOL for making this funding available and encourage eligible localities and organizations in West Virginia to take advantage of this opportunity,”

Learn more about this grant program and funding opportunity here.

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Senator Collins Cuts the Ribbon at Clinton Fire Station

Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.

CLINTON, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony, delivered remarks, and toured the new fire station in Clinton yesterday. She was joined at the event by Clinton Town Manager Daniel Swain, Fire Chief Rick Barton, members of the Clinton Fire Department, and dozens of local residents. During the ceremony, the community also honored Clinton Police Chief Stanley “Rusty” Bell on his retirement after 47 years in law enforcement.

In 2022, Senator Collins secured $2 million through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to support the construction of the new Clinton Fire Station. Last year, Senator Collins toured the previous station and reviewed plans for the new facility. Built in the 1950s, the old station was too small to accommodate the modern equipment the department planned to purchase.

“Replacing or renovating outdated public safety facilities is a key priority here in the state of Maine. I toured the 75-year-old station a year ago with Assistant Chief Travis Leary and saw the challenges the crowded facility with the double-parked vehicles presented to firefighters and EMTs in swiftly responding to emergencies,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “I am so pleased that the new station we celebrate today addresses those longstanding deficiencies and will better serve this rural community. Congratulations on this achievement, and I look forward to our continued work together.”

The new facility is twice the size of the old station and includes ample space for training, equipment, and vehicle storage. Additionally, the Clinton Police Department has found a new home in the previous and now vacant Clinton Fire Station.

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Cortez Masto Secures $25 Million for Sun Valley Boulevard Improvements

Incline Village, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) announced $25,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Sun Valley Boulevard Corridor Improvements Project in Northern Nevada, following her push to secure this funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program. The BUILD Grant was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Cortez Masto helped pass in 2021.

“I’m proud to have worked directly with RTC Washoe on this vital project, culminating in this funding that will make life better for residents, workers, and visitors along the Sun Valley Boulevard Corridor,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This is government in action – from the federal to the local level – delivering for Nevadans. Together, we will make our streets better for drivers and pedestrians and more safely connect our communities.”

This funding will allow the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC Washoe) to make needed improvements along approximately 2.6 miles of Sun Valley Boulevard. The updates to Sun Valley Boulevard will include drainage improvements, new shared-use paths, additional bus stops, pedestrian crossing enhancements and accessibility improvements, signal modifications, improved signage and striping, landscaping, and pavement rehabilitation.

The Senator had previously secured $2,500,000 in funding for the Sun Valley Boulevard Improvements in the federal government’s FY2024 budget.

Senator Cortez Masto has consistently fought to ensure Nevada’s transportation infrastructure has the funding it needs. The Senator recently secured $33,746,000 from the FAA for airports throughout Nevada, including $20 million for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Cortez Masto has also secured millions for improvements to Nevada’s roads to increase safety and reduce congestion. These investments help support the Silver State’s vital manufacturing and hospitality sectors while ensuring that Nevadans have the safe and efficient transportation network they require.

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Cortez Masto Welcomes New U.S. Citizens in Honor of America 250

***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

FTP for TV stations of her remarks and Broll.

Incline Village, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) attended and spoke at a naturalization ceremony for new American citizens at the Sand Harbor Amphitheater at Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

“As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of immigrants, I’m proud to see each of you take the oath of allegiance to the United States,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding serves as a reminder that our great nation only exists because of immigrants […] This is exactly what our founding fathers envisioned 250 years ago: generations of Americans proudly nurturing our democracy and making it even stronger.”

The first and only Latina Senator, Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada. She has called on both the Biden Administration and Trump Administration to protect Dreamers, TPS holders and other immigrants. Cortez Masto has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers. She is also leading legislation to allow DACA recipients to work in Congress.

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Sen Cramer: DOE Selects UND Pilot Project for Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals Recovery

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota’s natural resources are playing a significant role in meeting the mineral needs of America’s economy and geopolitical strength. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has made the University of North Dakota’s (UND) College of Engineering and Mines eligible for funding for its groundbreaking extraction of critical minerals and rare earth elements from North Dakota’s abundant lignite coal. This strategic collaboration reduces U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers like China and strengthen domestic supply chains.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) celebrated the award, saying, “North Dakota has long been a leader in the development of our natural resources, benefiting the state and the nation. Extracting critical minerals, particularly through UND’s best and brightest researchers and engineers, is the next step. This award will help jumpstart domestic critical mineral production while also keeping our state’s excellence at the center of it all.”

The Trump administration has made mineral security a priority and continued to explore pathways to secure our domestic supply chains. Today’s announcement from the DOE makes UND and other awardees eligible for a portion of the $75 million fund. It secures an opportunity for UND’s proposed demonstration project at Falkirk Mine to move forward with industry partners.

In May, Cramer hosted Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey at UND to follow-up on one of the joint projects in operation. Throughout the walkthrough, Duffey, Cramer, UND, and project leaders discussed how North Dakota’s growing role in rare earth development could improve supply chain resilience to meet changing defense needs. Although the facility has successfully demonstrated the technology and produced quantities sufficient to validate real-world application, additional investments will support UND and industry partners as they work towards full commercialization.

Duffey’s visit followed Cramer’s letter to the Departments of Energy and War, highlighting the positive prospects of UND College of Engineering & Mines’ critical minerals research and pilot plant from domestic stockpiles of lignite coal. Last fall, Cramer wrote, “For nearly a decade, UND researchers have explored and found effective methods to efficiently extract critical minerals and REEs from lignite coal. This lignite rare earths project would build [additional] momentum and be an excellent complement by supplying the heavy rare earths [other mines lack], enabling U.S. production of the highest-value permanent magnets, while also providing other defense-critical minerals like gallium, germanium, scandium, and synthetic graphite.”


Idaho to Receive $49.6 Million in PILT Funding for Community Services

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) announced 44 local governments in Idaho will receive a total of about $49.6 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2026. Since local governments cannot tax federal lands, annual PILT payments help cover the costs associated with maintaining community services.

"Idaho's counties are responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and dependable PILT funding helps them meet community service demands," said Crapo. "These payments help local governments make long-term investments in roads, emergency services and other essential priorities while recognizing the economic realities created by federal land ownership. I will continue advocating for policies that give Idaho's rural communities the certainty and resources they need to succeed."

“Every Idaho county contains federal land, making PILT funding critical to maintaining the roads and essential services Idahoans rely on each day,” said Risch. “These payments ensure Idaho’s rural communities can offset the loss of revenue from nontaxable federal land.”

Crapo and Risch have been long-term proponents of ensuring the long-term viability of the PILT program.

The U.S. Department of the Interior collects billions of dollars of revenue annually from commercial activities on public lands. A portion of those revenues is shared with states and counties. The balance is deposited into the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which, in turn, pays for a broad array of federal activities, including PILT funding.

Payments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction.

A full list of funding by state and county is available HERE.

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Working Families Tax Cuts Deliver Expanded Educational Opportunity

Washington, D.C.—The Working Families Tax Cuts delivered one of the largest expansions of education freedom in history, providing new tax benefits to families that will help with educational opportunity and affordability. Through the newly created Education Freedom Tax Credit, taxpayers are eligible for a credit up to $1,700 for qualified contributions made to organizations that fund scholarships for low- and middle-income students, helping families afford costs associated with elementary and secondary education. By incentivizing these contributions, the new tax credit will make school choice programs more accessible, giving families more schooling options.

“Education is best overseen by the people closest to every student, and the Education Freedom Tax Credit makes school choice more accessible to those who understand a child’s needs best—their parents,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “Through this new provision and others, the Working Families Tax Cuts are helping ensure every Idaho student has the educational foundation necessary to succeed.”

The Department of the Treasury recently previewed forthcoming guidance to prepare states, taxpayers and other stakeholders for the launch of the Education Freedom Tax Credit in January 2027. You can read Treasury’s announcement HERE. In its Education Freedom Tax Credit fact sheet (located HERE), Treasury notes that scholarships can be used to cover education-related services at private or public schools, including tuition, fees, academic tutoring and classroom supplies

Other key education wins in the Working Families Tax Cuts:

Expanded 529 plan eligibility to include expenses for vocational schools and apprenticeship programs

Doubled the amount families can withdraw annually from 529 plans to pay for K-12 education

Made permanent a tax exclusion for employers that help repay their employees’ student loans

What they are saying:

“Every family deserves access to the education that’s right for their child, and every governor who has pledged to act once the rules were clear must now do exactly that. The time to opt in is now. AFC will continue to stand with parents seeking this life-changing opportunity.” – American Federation for Children CEO Tommy Schultz

“Opting in on this opportunity will benefit every student and family in Idaho, no matter what their educational choices may be. This is a chance to give Idahoans more—more support, more resources, and more options—without taking away from what we already have.” – Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield

Click HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts encourage school choice.

Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

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Duckworth, Jackson Reintroduce Legislation to Help Reduce Gun Violence and Honor Slain Chicago Student Blair Holt

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01) reintroduced bicameral legislation to help reduce gun violence in Illinois and across the country. The Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act, which Duckworth has been pushing for since 2018, would prohibit the unlicensed ownership and transfer of firearms and direct the U.S. Attorney General to establish and maintain a federal record of sale system and conduct fingerprint-based nationwide criminal background checks. The legislation is named after Blair Holt, a Chicago Julian High School honor student who was gunned down protecting his friend when a gunman opened fire while they were riding home from school on a crowded public transit bus.

“No child should ever be put in a situation where they lose their life protecting a friend from gunfire,” said Duckworth. “This is commonsense legislation that would establish universal background checks and other safety reforms to help prevent dangerous firearms from falling into the wrong hands. For Blair Holt and the countless other victims of gun violence in our country, Congress must put partisanship aside and work together to make our communities safer for our children and prevent these tragedies from ever happening again.”

“We cannot accept a nation where a teenager’s bus ride home becomes a battleground, and where families are left to mourn preventable tragedies,” said Representative Jackson. “Blair Holt’s death is a painful reminder that young people, families, and communities continue to bear the cost of Congress’s failure to act. I am honored to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Duckworth because it reflects our commitment to choose courage over complacency and finally enact the commonsense safeguards our communities have demanded for far too long.”

The Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act is modeled, in part, after the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) statute and specifically would:

Protect the public against the unreasonable risk of injury and death associated with the unrecorded sale or transfer of qualifying firearms to unlicensed individuals.

Make sure that owners of qualifying firearms are knowledgeable in the safe use, handling and storage of those firearms.

Restrict the availability of qualifying firearms to criminals, children and other persons prohibited by federal law from receiving firearms.

Require universal background checks for all purchases or transfers of firearms.

Facilitate the tracing of qualifying firearms used in crime by federal and state law enforcement agencies.

Duckworth has been a fierce advocate of getting weapons of war off our streets. Last month, she introduced a resolution marking four years since the horrific Highland Park July 4th shooting. Last Congress, she joined her colleagues in reintroducing an assault weapons ban and in introducing legislation to raise the minimum age to buy assault weapons. She also supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law to help crack down on straw purchasing, expand background checks for buyers under 21 years of age, take steps to close the “boyfriend loophole,” support state red flag laws and offer billions in funding for counseling, mental health, and trauma support for victims of gun violence.

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Senate Judiciary Democrats Demand Todd Blanche Answer To Dozens Of Oversight Requests Ignored By Justice Department

As Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General is under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee and he’s been heavily involved in key DOJ issues, it’s imperative that the Committee receive sufficient responses to the laundry list of outstanding inquiries be provided before his hearing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in pressing Todd Blanche for answers on dozens of oversight matters that remain outstanding, either due to no response, insufficient response, or only partial response from DOJ.

In light of the unprecedented decision to combine Todd Blanche’s Attorney General nomination hearing with the annual Justice Department oversight hearing, the Senators deem these responses as critical ahead of the July 15 hearing, given Blanche’s leadership role over many of these issues and direct responsibility answering for DOJ’s actions now that he serves as Acting Attorney General.

“We write to request immediate responses to the dozens of oversight requests we have made of the Department of Justice (DOJ) throughout the 119th Congress that remain outstanding. Although not all members signed each letter, we all agree that it is critical the Department respond to all Congressional oversight. You currently seek Senate confirmation as Attorney General, but you also currently serve as the most senior Senate-confirmed official at the Department, and consequently, you are also responsible for ensuring that DOJ abides by Congress’s constitutional oversight authority. Additionally, given your tenure as the Deputy Attorney General, and now as Acting Attorney General, the Committee cannot properly assess your nomination without these responses, due to the fact that these issues reflect on your character and abilities as an attorney and public servant,” wrote the Senators.

“As the Department has had months, and more than a year in many instances, to provide these responses, please ensure that the Committee receives complete responses to all the following requests by July 8,” concluded the Senators.

The Senators cite the following outstanding requests with no response:

January 29, 2025 Letter Requesting Access to Volume II of Special Counsel Smith’s Report

February 3, 2025 Letters Regarding Purges of Senior Career Civil Servants Across DOJ and FBI

February 4, 2025 Letter Regarding Reassignment of Assistant U.S. Attorneys to Immigration Enforcement

February 20, 2025 Letter Regarding Replacement of Career Ethics Officials With Inexperience Political Appointees

February 26, 2025 Letter Regarding Compliance with the CLOUD Act

March 3, 2025 Letter Regarding Termination and Redirection of National Security Career Civil Servants Toward Immigration Enforcement

March 20, 2025 Letter Regarding Shuttering of DOJ’s Public Integrity Section

March 21, 2025 Letter Regarding Trump Administration Reduction and Termination of BOP Retention Incentives

March 26, 2025 Letter Regarding Baseless Termination of Pardon Attorney

March 31, 2025 Letter Regarding Blanche’s Confirmation Hearing Testimony

April 1, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Position on Scope of January 6 Pardons Covering Unrelated, Subsequent Criminal Conduct

April 1, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Role in President Trump’s Baseless Assertion that President Biden’s Pardons Are Void

April 18, 2025 Letter Regarding U.S. Marshal Visit to Former Pardon Attorney Oyer

April 30, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ Grant Terminations

May 2, 2025 Letter Regarding then-Attorney General Bondi’s Lobbying Private Prison Contractor Conflicts of Interest

May 8, 2025 Letter Regarding Change to Department Guidance on Subpoenaing Information About Confidential Sources from Journalists

May 21, 2025 Record Preservation Request Regarding Pattern and Practice Investigations

June 9, 2025 Letter Regarding Detention of SEIU President Huerta

June 12, 2025 Letter Regarding Ed Martin’s Abuses at DOJ

June 12, 2025 Letter Regarding BIA Decision to Weaken Legal Protections for DACA

June 19, 2025 Letter Requesting Information Regarding Alleged Misconduct by Emil Bove in United States v. Nejad

July 14, 2025 Letter Regarding Weaponization of Immigration Court Hearings to Trap and Arrest Immigrants

July 16, 2025 Letter Regarding Termination of Director of DOJ’s Departmental Ethics Office

July 16, 2025 Letter Regarding then-DAAG Bove’s Role in Epstein Files Review

July 23, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility’s Investigation into Emil Bove’s Alleged Misconduct in United States v. Nejad

July 28, 2025 Letter Regarding Arrangement of Ghislaine Maxwell Interview and Review of Epstein Files

August 7, 2025 Letter Regarding Transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to Minimum-Security Prison

September 3, 2025 Letter Regarding Hiring Jared Wise, Convicted January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulter, as a Senior Adviser at DOJ

September 3, 2025 Letter Regarding Deployment of National Guard to Chicago

September 4, 2025 Letter Regarding Partisan Terminations of Career Civil Servants

September 5, 2025 Letter Regarding Politicization of DOJ’s Antitrust Division

September 15, 2025 Letter Regarding Diminished National Security Expertise and Capacity Due to Terminations and Reassignments

September 23, 2025 Questions for the Record Following the September 16, 2025 Hearing Concerning Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with Director Patel

September 23, 2025 Letter Regarding Termination of Tom Homan Corruption Investigation

September 30, 2025 Letter Regarding Use of JAG Officers as DOJ Immigration Judges

September 30, 2025 Follow-up Letter Regarding Restitution Payments for Convicted January 6 Insurrectionists

October 14, 2025 Questions for the Record Following the October 7, 2025 Hearing Concerning Oversight of the Department of Justice with then-Attorney General Bondi

October 29, 2025 Letter Regarding President Trump’s $230 Million Taxpayer Funded Settlement Requests

October 29, 2025 Letter Regarding Unlawfulness of President Trump’s Military Strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific

October 30, 2025 Letter Regarding Partisan Deployment of Election Monitors

November 6, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Voter Roll Requests to States

November 19, 2025 Letter Regarding Partisan Terminations of FBI Agents and Intervention of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the District of Columbia

December 9, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ and FBI Weaponization Against Members of Congress for Constitutionally Protected Speech Reiterating Federal Law

January 22, 2026 Letter Regarding Killing of Renée Good

January 26, 2026 Letter Regarding Creation of Second Amendment Section within DOJ’s Civil Rights Division

January 28, 2026 Letter Regarding Blanche Cryptocurrency Conflicts

January 29, 2026 Follow-up Letter on DOJ’s Voter Roll Requests to States

February 9, 2026 Record Preservation Request Regarding Investigations of Senators Kelly and Slotkin’s Constitutionally Protected Speech Reiterating Federal Law

February 25, 2026 Request for Investigation into Decision to Block Use of Force Investigation in January 7 Killing of Renée Good

February 26, 2026 Record Preservation Request Regarding Review, Redaction, and Production of Epstein Files under theEpstein Files Transparency Act and Earlier Reviews

March 9, 2026 Record Preservation Request Regarding Allegations Against President Trump within Epstein Files and Missing FBI 302 Interview Memorializations

March 16, 2026 Letter Regarding OCDETF Operation Trip Knot’s Uncovering of Financial Links to Jeffrey Epstein

March 16, 2026 Letter Regarding DOJ’s NPRM on Interfering with State Bar Disciplinary Processes

March 16, 2026 Criminal Referral Regarding Former Secretary Noem’s Perjury Before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees

April 13, 2026 Letter Regarding Former Attorney General Bondi’s Departure

April 15, 2026 Letter Regarding Halbank Deferred Prosecution Agreement

April 20, 2026 Records Preservation Request Regarding Incidents FBI Director Patel’s Impairment and Absences on the Job

April 26, 2026 Letter Regarding Status of Investigation into then-Federal Reserve Chair Powell

May 11, 2026 Letter Regarding BOP Policies Concerning Transgender Inmates

May 18, 2026 Letter Regarding Blanche Recusal Issues

May 26, 2026 Letter Regarding Purported Anti-Weaponization Fund

The Senators cite the following outstanding requests with only partial or insufficient response:

February 28, 2025 Letter Regarding Shuttering of Task Force KleptoCapture

March 11, 2025 Letter Regarding Investigation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

March 17, 2025 Letter Regarding DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force

March 26, 2025 Letter Regarding Baseless Termination of Pardon Attorney

March 28, 2025 Letter Regarding Termination of Immigration Judges at Executive Office

of Immigration Review

April 10, 2025 Letter Regarding Cryptocurrency Enforcement

May 15, 2025 Letter Requesting then-Attorney General Bondi’s Legal Memorandum Concluding President Trump’s Receipt of $400 Million Qatari Jet Was “Legally Permissible”

July 1, 2025 Letter Regarding Emil Bove’s Direction to DOJ Officials to Mislead Courts

July 17, 2025 Letter Regarding Baseless Voter Fraud Investigations

July 18, 2025 Letter Regarding July 7 DOJ/FBI Memo on Jeffrey Epstein Files and Death by Suicide

July 28, 2025 Letter Regarding Blanche’s Interview of Ghislaine Maxwell

September 15, 2025 Letter Regarding Attempt to Unlawfully Remove Unaccompanied Children

September 26, 2025 Letter Regarding U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Attempted Prosecution of Former FBI Director Comey

February 13, 2026 Letter Regarding Removal of Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Antitrust Division Slater

For a PDF copy of the letter sent to Blanche, click here.

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Gallego Talks Tourism, Water, and More in Page

PAGE – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) visited Page, Arizona to meet with local leaders and discuss pressing issues affecting Northern Arizona, including wildfire prevention and recovery, tourism, and Colorado River water.

“Rural communities like Page play a vital role in Arizona’s economy,” said Senator Gallego. “Whether it’s securing federal resources to help them recover from devastating wildfires or working for a fair deal on the Colorado River, I’m proud to always fight for Northern Arizona in the Senate.”

Senator Gallego started his Northern Arizona visit by meeting with members of the Page City Council.

At the meeting, he discussed his work to support Northern Arizona’s tourism economy, including introducing the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act to expedite cleanup and restoration efforts following last year’s devastating Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires.

He then visited the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where he toured Glen Canyon Dam and discussed Colorado River water management and current issues facing Lake Powell with the Acting Superintendent.

In addition to being a vital source of water storage on the Colorado River, the Glen Canyon Dam produces around five billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power annually, providing electricity for millions of Americans across the West.


Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Answers About Impact Of Trump’s Medicaid Cuts

Because of Republicans, New York is facing $63 billion in Medicaid cuts

Today, Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) led her Democratic colleagues on the Senate Aging Committee in demanding answers about the impact of President Trump’s Medicaid cuts on seniors and people with disabilities.

A year ago this week, the president signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which slashed Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. In a letter to the Government Accountability Office, the senators demanded answers about exactly how these cuts will hurt Americans and about what cuts have already been made.

“When federal funding for Medicaid is cut, states are forced to choose between cutting Medicaid spending or using more state money to maintain existing Medicaid services,” the senators wrote. “Ultimately, Medicaid services for older adults and people with disabilities may be cut, even if federal cuts do not directly target those services.”

According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the cuts will result in 7.5 million more people becoming uninsured by 2034. New York alone is facing $63 billion in Medicaid funding cuts by 2034—the second largest cut in the nation. According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, this could cause 1.5 million New Yorkers to lose their health coverage and tens of thousands of New York healthcare professionals to lose their jobs.

“Unfortunately, individual states have already discovered that the OBBBA is ‘making their problems worse,’” the senators continued.

In their letter, Gillibrand and her colleagues demand answers about exactly what changes states have made so far regarding Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities in calendar years 2026 and 2027. They also request answers about the effects that these changes will have on those served by Medicaid.

In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letter is signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), all members of the Senate Aging Committee.

The full text of the letter can be found here or below:

Dear Acting Comptroller General Brown:

We write concerning the effects of Medicaid cuts for older adults and people with disabilities. On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. The OBBBA slashed Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans. President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid include new red tape for certain adults who wish to enroll in Medicaid and limits on how states can fund their own Medicaid programs. The cuts particularly target states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and will be particularly devastating for older adults and people with disabilities who depend on Medicaid for their health and independence. Given that adults age 50 or older make up 23 percent of Medicaid enrollees and older adults are more likely to have a disability, the Senate Special Committee on Aging (Aging Committee) must understand the multi-year consequences of Medicaid cuts for those populations.

Millions of older adults and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid to pay for their health care services. Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care in the United States, and in 2023 covered roughly 46 percent of long-term care costs for institutions like nursing homes. Medicaid covers home and community-based services (HCBS) for eight million older adults and people with disabilities, helping them to live and age in the setting of their choice. Nearly five million adults who are nearing retirement age – those between the ages of 50 and 64 – rely on expanded Medicaid coverage for services like primary care and cancer screening. Meanwhile, roughly 13 million “dual eligible” enrollees rely on Medicaid to pay for essential services they cannot obtain through their Medicare coverage. People who are dual eligible for Medicaid and Medicare are more likely to be lower income, have long-term disabilities, or have multiple chronic conditions.

Medicaid is administered by the states within federal standards, meaning that states may choose, but are not required, to cover many services that benefit older adults and people with disabilities. When federal funding for Medicaid is cut, states are forced to choose between cutting Medicaid spending or using more state money to maintain existing Medicaid services. Ultimately, Medicaid services for older adults and people with disabilities may be cut, even if federal cuts do not directly target those services. For example, following a 2011 reduction in federal Medicaid matching funds, every state cut HCBS services. Services for older adults and people with disabilities will again be on the chopping block as states confront the harsh reality of President Trump’s cuts. Because the OBBBA implements President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid over multiple years,19 the effect on states will also play out over more than one year.

Unfortunately, individual states have already discovered that the OBBBA is “making their problems worse.” Early this year, Missouri and Idaho began considering cuts to programs for people with disabilities, while Georgia faces a roughly $8 billion cut in Medicaid funding over the next ten years. Massachusetts approved $1 billion less in state spending than initially proposed for fiscal year 2026 in anticipation of federal cuts. Ohio is “expected to lose about $33 billion over the next decade for its Medicaid program” and is facing the possibility of “additional program cuts.” Arizona is facing a 19 percent reduction to its Medicaid funding, with no clear way for the state to make up for the cut. Maryland is facing a nearly $3 billion drop in annual Medicaid funding, while New Jersey is considering new spending to try to keep as many as 350,000 people from losing coverage. California and New York, meanwhile, are facing Medicaid cuts of $112 billion and $63 billion by 2034 – the largest decreases in the nation.

The Senate Aging Committee is charged with “a continuing study of any and all matters pertaining to problems and opportunities of older people.” To properly carry out that mission, the Aging Committee must understand how Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities changes in the years following President Trump’s cuts. Accordingly, we ask the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the following questions for calendar years 2026 and 2027. When studying the questions, we ask that GAO focus on older adults age 65 or older, older adults between the ages of 50 and 64, and people with disabilities:

What changes did select states make to their Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities in calendar years 2026 and 2027?

What effects did the changes selected states made to their Medicaid coverage have on older adults and people with disabilities served by the program?

We appreciate your attention to this request.

Sincerely,

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Gillibrand Slams Trump And Republicans For Ripping Health Insurance Away From 450,000 New Yorkers

Today, as roughly 450,000 low- and middle-income New Yorkers lose their affordable health care coverage thanks to President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:

“Donald Trump and Republicans chose to give billionaires tax cuts and launch reckless wars overseas instead of lowering healthcare costs for New York families. The consequences have been dire — nearly half a million New Yorkers now must worry about how they can afford to take their child to the doctor or get their medication. While Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to put the wealthiest Americans first as they make working families’ lives harder and more expensive, I will never stop fighting to protect New Yorkers’ healthcare and bring down everyday costs.”

President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was signed into law last summer, cut $7.5 billion in annual funding for the Essential Plan – New York’s affordable health insurance plan for low- and middle-income New Yorkers. The Essential Plan offers $0 monthly premiums, no deductibles, and low co-pays for working families who meet certain income thresholds but do not qualify for Medicaid. Because of Trump’s cuts, an estimated 450,000 New Yorkers are losing access to their Essential Plan coverage as of today, July 1st, and will be forced to either purchase more expensive coverage or go without coverage at all.

Essential Plan coverage losses by congressional district can be found here.

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Capitol Hill Report, 07-1-26

AUDIO from this morning’s call is available HERE.

Topics include: Supreme Court rulings, the Save Our Bacon Act, Iran, the SAVE America Act and student loan forgiveness.


Grassley Welcomes Over $27.7 Million in Federal Funding to Support Iowa Communities, Including $22.6 Million for Rock Valley Property Acquisitions

BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed news that Iowa will receive over $27.7 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, including over $22.6 million to the City of Rock Valley Property Acquisitions. The funds will benefit Iowans in Sioux, Harrison, Linn and Palo Alto Counties.

“It’s great news that this money is moving out the door to help Iowans recover from storms and to aid in home buyouts for flood-prone properties in Rock Valley. After years of my advocacy, I’m also glad to see FEMA finally approve funding that Linn County has been waiting on since the 2020 derecho,” Grassley said. “In the Senate, I’ll keep working to ensure the people of Iowa get the support they need.”

Details on the FEMA awards follow:

City of Rock Valley Property Acquisitions: $22,604,860 to fund the acquisition and demolition of 123 residential properties damaged as a result of the 2024 flooding in Rock Valley to eliminate the potential for future flood damage at these properties. The city of Rock Valley will purchase the properties, demolish the existing structures and utilize the area as open space.

City of Rock Valley: $3,152,537.58 to fund public assistance, alternative procedures and debris removal operations and park trails, boat ramps and other repairs or replacements as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes in 2024.

Linn County: $1,358,697.12 to fund management costs and other repairs or replacements as a result of the 2020 derecho.

Boyer Sub Drainage District: $459,729.68 to fund levees, jetties and other related repairs or replacements as a result of severe storms and flooding in 2019.

Palo Alto County Drainage District: $208,191.16 to fund ditch channel, tile outlet and surface drain repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes in 2024.


Senator Hassan Presents Congressional Gold Medal to Family of Granite Stater Doris Moore, who Served in WWII as Part of Historic 6888 Battalion

WOLFEBORO – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan last Friday presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the family of Doris Moore, a Portsmouth native who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. The medal honors the women of the historic unit.

“It was an honor to recognize Portsmouth-native Doris Moore’s service in the 6888th Battalion during World War II by presenting her family with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Six Triple Eight,” Senator Hassan said. “In a demonstration of patriotism, Doris and the women of the Six-Triple-8 served to protect freedom abroad at a time when Black Americans were not given equal freedom at home. This medal honors Doris’ sacrifice and reminds us that everyone has a part to play to serve our country.”

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only predominantly Black all-female battalion serving overseas during World War II. The Battalion sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians. In 2022, Senator Hassan worked with the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the women of the 6888th Battalion.

Senator Hassan presents the Congressional Gold Medal to the family of Doris Moore, who served in the predominantly-Black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during WWII

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Hoeven: DOE Selects UND for Critical Minerals Pilot Project

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected the University of North Dakota (UND) for award negotiations under a $75 million initiative to advance the recovery of rare earth elements and other critical materials from coal and coal-based feedstocks. The pilot project will be located in Underwood, North Dakota, and is one of five projects selected nationwide. Earlier this year, Hoeven led an effort with the North Dakota congressional delegation calling on DOE to support UND’s proposal. In a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the delegation cited the university’s leadership in developing technologies to recover critical minerals from North Dakota lignite.

“This selection builds on North Dakota’s leadership in energy innovation and will help strengthen our domestic critical minerals supply chain,” said Hoeven. “UND’s work will support new opportunities to harness our state’s abundant lignite reserves while helping meet the nation’s energy, manufacturing and national security needs.”

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Hoeven Welcomes President Trump to North Dakota for Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Dedication

MEDORA, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today welcomed President Donald J. Trump to North Dakota for a celebration marking America’s 250th birthday and the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt President Library. Hoeven met President Trump at the Bismarck Airport for the arrival of Air Force One, before joining the President to fly out to Medora. The senator thanked President Trump for visiting the state and joining efforts to honor the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the United States’ 26th president.

Hoeven has worked to advance the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, including:

Introducing and securing passage of legislation to secure the library’s 93-acre site. Hoeven authored the bill enabling the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation to purchase the land from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

The senator worked with local and state officials and the Medora Grazing Association to negotiate the legislation and find an agreement for the land purchase.

The agreement ensured the availability of acres for grazing and included a written commitment from the USFS to maintain the Medora Grazing Association’s contract for its full 10-year term.

Hoeven also passed legislation in the Interior appropriations bill to support loans of historic artifacts for display at the library.

Most recently, the senator secured Senate passage of his bipartisan legislation to provide up to $50 million in federal matching grants for the library and authorization for the library to display artifacts and materials from Theodore Roosevelt’s life, and Hoeven is working to advance its approval in the House.

Hoeven’s bill follows the model used for establishing and funding the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Ill.

“This is a momentous occasion for our state, marking the completion of an institution that will stand for generations in honor of our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. We appreciate President Trump for joining North Dakotans in this celebration,” said Hoeven. “This library is an asset to not only North Dakota but our entire nation. We authored and secured passage of the legislation to enable the library to purchase the land for this beautiful new library. We also continue working to provide federal funds matching private contributions and to authorize the use of federal artifacts and materials in the library’s exhibits on a permanent basis, similar to the model used for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Teddy Roosevelt charted the course for our country’s heritage of conservation and the stewardship of our natural resources. Moreover, his is a story of overcoming loss and adversity, growing into the person and public servant that our nation needed at that time. Every American deserves the opportunity to hear that story, and that’s exactly what this institution offers to the public.”

Today’s celebration comes as the first of a series of events Hoeven will participate in to mark the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. On Friday, Hoeven will join a conversation with North Dakota’s governors, both present and past, including Governor Kelly Armstrong, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Jack Dalrymple and Ed Schafer. On Saturday, Hoeven will address the grand opening ceremony for the library, where he will discuss efforts to secure the institution’s 93-acre site and provide federal support for the display of artifacts and materials from Theodore Roosevelt’s life.

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Husted commemorates one year of Working Families Tax Cuts Act

“Whether you’re raising a family, working overtime, earning tips or running a business, this law helps you keep more of what you earn, which is why I’m proud to have supported it.”

View Husted’s remarks here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today recognized one year since the Senate passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Husted cast the deciding vote to pass the legislation.

“Over the past year, I’ve heard from Ohio workers and business owners about how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act has helped them. John Lane, co-owner of the Winking Lizard Tavern in Avon, said roughly 900 of their employees have benefited from the law. Shaun Ekker, CFO of Ohio Gratings, said the law has helped the company create more jobs. Whether you’re raising a family, working overtime, earning tips or running a business, this law helps you keep more of what you earn, which is why I’m proud to have supported it,” said Husted.

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Ohioans by including:

No tax on tips: More than 6 million taxpayers have benefited, providing relief for service workers who depend on gratuity.

No tax on overtime: More than 25 million taxpayers have claimed the provision, giving essential workers—factory workers, linemen, police officers, nurses, and more—a new break on their hard-earned extra hours.

A permanent 20% tax deduction for small businesses: Delivering $4,600 in average relief to 8 million entrepreneurs.

Enhanced deductions for seniors: More than 30 million seniors have claimed the provision.

An increased child tax credit of $2,200: More than 34 million families have claimed the provision.

A partially refundable adoption tax credit of up to $5,000.

Prevented a tax hike that would have cost the average family of four earning $80,000 about $1,700 MORE in federal taxes.

This law also gave employers the certainty they needed to invest, expand and hire more Ohio workers by:

Making the 20% small business deduction permanent.


Husted secures millions in critical funding for Ohio infrastructure projects

“It’s great to see these critical projects receive the funding they need to keep Ohio moving forward.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today announced that he secured $50 million in federal funding for two major Ohio infrastructure projects through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.

In total, four Ohio projects will receive $69,830,645 through the USDOT BUILD grant program.

Husted successfully advocated for $50 million in BUILD funding for the Brook Park Public Infrastructure Improvements project and the Fort Washington Way Project, submitting letters of support to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on behalf of both projects. Each project was awarded $25 million.

“I fought for these projects because they will improve safety, support economic growth and help Ohio communities compete and thrive for decades to come. From improving access to major transportation corridors to creating new spaces for businesses and families, these investments will strengthen our economy and improve quality of life for Ohioans. It’s great to see these critical projects receive the funding they need to keep Ohio moving forward,” said Husted.

“This is a monumental infrastructure investment into the heart of Cincinnati that will change the way our community grows and gathers for generations to come. We are grateful for the support from the federal government, especially Senator Husted, and are proud to have partnered with Hamilton County, the City of Cincinnati, and a wide range of community leaders to finally move forward on the long-standing promise of building the caps over Fort Washington Way,” said Brendon Cull, President & CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber.

“This federal funding opportunity represents a once-in-a-generation chance to reconnect our downtown, create new public green space, and continue the momentum at The Banks. By capping Fort Washington Way between Vine and Walnut streets, we can transform an infrastructure barrier into a community asset that benefits residents, visitors, and future generations,” said Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas.

“This investment will fully fund planned improvements along Front and Main: prioritizing safety, leveraging Metroparks Toledo’s investments along the riverfront, and encouraging new business development throughout the corridor. I’m grateful for the federal government’s support of this project and its continued investment in making Toledo a great place to build,” said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.

The grant allocation builds on Husted’s work as a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Appropriations Committee. In these roles, Husted has been a strong advocate for strengthening Ohio’s infrastructure and ensuring that already appropriated funds are obligated to projects that will serve Ohioans.

The USDOT’s BUILD program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impacts.

The four Ohio projects receiving funding are:


Kelly, Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Answers on Impact of Trump Medicaid Cuts

“Arizona is facing a 19 percent reduction to its Medicaid funding”

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and fellow committee Democrats in demanding answers on how President Trump’s Medicaid cuts are affecting older Americans and people with disabilities.

A year ago this week, the president signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which slashed Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. In a letter to the Government Accountability Office, the senators demanded answers about exactly how these cuts will hurt older Americans and about what cuts have already been made.

“When federal funding for Medicaid is cut, states are forced to choose between cutting Medicaid spending or using more state money to maintain existing Medicaid services,” the senators wrote. “Ultimately, Medicaid services for older adults and people with disabilities may be cut, even if federal cuts do not directly target those services.”

According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the cuts will result in 7.5 million more people becoming uninsured by 2034. Arizona alone is facing $34 billion in Medicaid funding cuts by 2034. Hundreds of thousands of Arizonans are projected to lose Medicaid coverage.

“Unfortunately, individual states have already discovered that the OBBBA is ‘making their problems worse. […] Arizona is facing a 19 percent reduction to its Medicaid funding, with no clear way for the state to make up for the cut,” the senators continued.

In their letter, Kelly and his colleagues demand answers about exactly what changes states have made so far regarding Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities in calendar years 2026 and 2027. They also request answers about the effects that these changes will have on those served by Medicaid.

In addition to Kelly and Gillibrand, the letter is signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and all members of the Senate Aging Committee.


Klobuchar to Visit Eight Counties on Three-Day Rural Economy Tour in Northwest and Northern Minnesota

MINNESOTA – This week, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will be in Northwest and Northern Minnesota on a rural economy tour, where she will visit eight counties over three days. She will meet with local leaders and small business owners in Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties. Her visits will include meetings with business owners, and stops to meet with local leaders about tourism, small business and economic development, health care access, and electricity infrastructure projects supported in part by federal funding.

“This week I will visit small businesses and child care centers, as well as electric co-ops and health care providers throughout rural Minnesota. I want to hear directly from Minnesotans about their challenges, particularly when it comes to household costs and child care access, and how we can improve local tourism and infrastructure. Making sure our rural areas can thrive is vital to Minnesota’s strength as a state,” said Klobuchar.

Every year, Klobuchar visits all 87 Minnesota counties.

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FEMA Announces Over $12.3 Million in Disaster Recovery Grants to Oklahoma Communities

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded four Public Assistance grants to Oklahoma communities totaling more than $12.3 million. The grants will reimburse local entities for the cost of repairs to electrical infrastructure, roads, and public buildings damaged by severe storms, tornadoes, and winter weather.

“From restoring power in Northwestern Oklahoma to rebuilding county roads and public buildings in Eastern Oklahoma, these FEMA awards will help Oklahoma communities recover from the tornadoes, ice storms, and flooding that impacted our state,” said Lankford. “We have stayed in close contact with FEMA leadership to help finalize these grants, and I’m glad to see these federal resources supporting the agencies and local governments that stepped up to respond when Oklahomans needed them most.”

In addition to public assistance grants, FEMA also announced more than one million dollars in fire management assistance grants awarded to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to partially reimburse firefighting costs from five 2025 wildfires.

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Lankford: One Year Later, the Working Families Tax Cuts Are Delivering for Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK —US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today marked one year since the Senate passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, reflecting on the law’s impact on Oklahoma families, businesses, and communities.

“One year later, we’re seeing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act deliver real results for Oklahomans,” said Lankford. “Families are keeping more of what they earn, businesses have the certainty to invest and create jobs, energy producers are no longer burdened by an unfair tax penalty, and more Americans are able to support the charities and houses of worship that strengthen their communities. These policies are strengthening Oklahoma’s economy and supporting the people who make our state strong. We’re already seeing these policies make a real difference for families, strengthen our economy, secure our border, support American energy, and give businesses the confidence to invest and grow.”

Background

One year ago today, the Senate passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, preventing the largest tax hike in American history while delivering tax relief, securing the border, strengthening Medicaid program integrity, rebuilding the military, and cutting out-of-control spending.

Lankford secured several key priorities in the legislation, including authoring the permanent full, immediate expensing provision, allowing businesses to deduct the full cost of equipment and technology up front; securing the charitable deduction for non-itemizers, allowing couples to deduct up to $2,000 in donations; and leading the repeal of the Biden administration’s tax penalty on oil and gas producers by restoring key investment deductions.

For Oklahoma, the legislation prevented an average $2,013 tax increase for families, protected more than 233,000 small businesses from higher taxes, preserved the child tax credit for nearly 449,000 households, and maintained the standard deduction for more than 1.5 million Oklahoma families.

Lankford recently visited B&H Construction to hear firsthand how the permanent full expensing provision he authored is helping Oklahoma businesses invest and grow. You can watch the videoHERE and download itHERE.

For a full breakdown of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, including how it helps families, seniors, farmers and ranchers, energy producers, small businesses, strengthens our national defense, and secures the border, you can find more information HERE and HERE.

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