Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Proposal to Encourage Congressional Action on Social Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced a bipartisan proposal to encourage congressional action on Social Security. The Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act follows the release of the Social Security Board of Trustees’ annual report, which found that the Social Security Trust Fund will only be able to cover 78 percent of benefits in 2032—meaning that Americans who rely on the program will have their benefits reduced by 22 percent if Congress does not act.

“For nearly a century, Social Security has been a lifeline that allows Americans to retire with dignity. Congress should not wait around until the last minute to shore up this critical program and prevent broad-based benefit cuts upon Trust Fund depletion,” said Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining a bipartisan group of my colleagues in introducing legislation that will encourage Congress to roll up its sleeves and find a path forward to ensure current and future generations of retirees and their families are able to receive the benefits they have earned and which they are owed.”

“Congress has known about this challenge for more than a decade, but it has not taken up these politically challenging issues. And the longer Congress waits, the more difficult it will be to address this issue in the future,” said Durbin. “Our bipartisan proposal opens Congress to debate this issue in a transparent, fair, and bipartisan way. We were elected to solve problems—and there’s no greater problem than the solvency and future of Social Security. We owe it to our kids and grandkids to protect and strengthen this critical program.”

“Millions of Americans rely on Social Security to live. In 6 years, those families will see a 22% cut to their benefits if Congress doesn’t act. Our plan preserves promised benefits for current retirees and the next generation of Americans,” said Cassidy.

“Social Security is on an unsustainable path that will lead to dramatic benefit cuts for retirees and growing skepticism among workers paying into a program on the brink of insolvency. With each passing year, the menu of options that preserve benefits and limit tax hikes narrows. The modest reforms Congress contemplated in 2010 would have put Social Security on solid footing for 75 years; today, those same reforms would add less than two years to our current runway,” said Tillis. “I won’t pretend there’s consensus on how we solve this, but the math is unforgiving: the longer Congress waits to act, the fewer good options remain, which is why I am proud to support this legislation.”

“For years, we've known that Social Security faces serious long-term financial challenges, yet Congress has repeatedly chosen to look the other way,” said King. “This legislation creates a bipartisan process to ensure Congress finally does its job. Social Security is a promise millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of work – household budgets rely on the timely arrival of these earnings to pay for mortgages, heat, and medications. We have a responsibility to preserve that promise for today's retirees and for generations to come.”

More than 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits. Social Security is a bedrock promise that hard-working Americans paying into the program will earn their retirement and not have to worry about putting food on their table, a roof over their heads, or medicine in their cabinets. However, last month’s Trustees report means that seniors and people with disabilities would have their benefits reduced by $450 per month (based on the average Social Security benefit of $2,071 per month). If Congress does not act, this automatic across-the-board benefit cut could push more than three million additional seniors and people with disabilities into poverty.

The PROMISE Act would create a procedure to initiate congressional action on Social Security. Specifically, under the Senators’ proposal:

The Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB), an independent, bipartisan advisory committee established to make recommendations to Congress, would transmit a base bill (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to Congress.

The Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would introduce the base bill. If they do not, any Member of Congress could do so.

The base bill would be referred to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee. Both committees would have the chance to hold hearings and amend the base bill.

The Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee would report the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Committees do not report the base bill, it automatically would be discharged and placed on the Senate and House calendars.

The Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would move to proceed to the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Majority Leaders do not, any Member of Congress could do so.

Members of Congress could offer substitute amendments (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to the base bill (as potentially amended) after the motion to proceed.

The Senate and House would vote on passage of the base bill (as potentially amended) after 100 hours of consideration. Final passage would require a three-fifths vote in the Senate and a majority vote in the House.

According to polling from the Bipartisan Policy Center, 64 percent of Democrats and 61 percent of Republicans agree on the need for bipartisan cooperation to protect and strengthen the program. And 67 percent of those polled want Congress to take near-term action to solve Social Security’s impending challenges. Specifically, 47 percent say that they want Congress to address Social Security’s financial shortfall as soon as possible, with both parties working together, and an additional 20 percent say that they want a bipartisan commission created to develop a comprehensive plan—and for Congress to approve that plan.

Kaine has consistently taken action to defend Social Security. He has introduced the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act, legislation that would reverse disastrous actions taken by the Trump-Vance Administration to harm the program by preventing Social Security field offices from shutting down, making it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for benefits, and providing proper resources to the SSA so it can approve benefits more quickly. Kaine also co-sponsored and voted for the Social Security Fairness Act, which enhanced retirement benefits for over 50,000 Virginians whose benefits were unfairly reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The bill was signed into law in January 2025.

The following organizations support the PROMISE Act: Bipartisan Policy Center, Third Way, and Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

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New Data: Virginians Have Had To Spend $1.8 Billion More For Gas Since Start Of The Iran War

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Trump declares that the war with Iran has resumed, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are underscoring new data that shows the extent to which the president’s war has driven up gas costs in Virginia and across the country. According to a new congressional report, since the war began on February 28, Virginians have paid a total of $1.8 billion more, or an extra $573 per household, on the gas they need to commute to work, run errands, pick up their kids, and live their daily lives. The cost per household in Virginia is one of the highest in the nation. Additionally, Virginia’s average gas price today sits at $3.75 per gallon, which is about 22 percent higher than it was before the president’s war of choice.

“Because of the president’s war of choice, Virginians are facing higher gas, utility, and grocery costs,” said the senators. “Instead of ending this war and finally easing the burden that he has placed on American families, Trump is calling off the ceasefire, trading airstrikes with Iran, and blockading the Strait of Hormuz.”

Nationally, Americans have paid a total of $56.4 billion more, or $477 more per household, on gas. Today’s national average gas price sits at $3.86 per gallon, which is about 30 percent higher than before the start of the war.

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Kelly, Gallego Demand FEMA to Reimburse Shelter and Services Program Recipients

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego demanded that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator Robert Fenton process and reimburse all outstanding eligible Shelter and Services Program (SSP) claims filed before the program’s termination. The letter follows a May 7, 2026, U.S. District Court order in a case brought by Pima County, Chicago, and Denver requiring the agency to process eligible reimbursement claims for costs incurred before SSP grants were terminated.

SSP provided funding to local governments and service providers for short-term emergency services, including food and shelter, for asylum seekers legally processed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a time when the border was in crisis and local communities were forced to take on a federal responsibility.

“Arizona local governments and service providers carried out this work in reliance of congressional appropriations, FEMA’s program rules, and the federal government’s commitment that eligible expenses would be reimbursed,” wrote the senators. “Failing to fulfill reimbursements to these partners risks undermining the trust needed for effective coordination in future emergencies.”

The senators called on FEMA to designate a primary point of contact for Arizona SSP reimbursement claims and make appropriate DHS and FEMA officials available for a briefing on the agency’s plans to comply with the court order.

“Together, these rulings reinforce the need for FEMA to follow the law and process reimbursement requests pursuant to the rules and guidelines as they existed under the program prior to the agency’s termination and provide direction to recipients and subrecipients, including those in Arizona,” the senators continued. “Reimbursements are long past due, and FEMA must resolve reimbursement claims without further delay.”

“Arizona localities and service providers fulfilled their responsibilities under this program and courts have agreed the agency’s actions to limit reimbursements were unlawful,” the senators concluded. “FEMA should now provide the clarity, transparency, and timely reimbursement as required under the agency’s own program rules pre-termination. We urge you to comply with these obligations without delay.”


King Challenges Pentagon Nominees on Financial Cost of Iran War

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) pressed several Pentagon nominees on the total cost of the ongoing conflict in Iran, expressing frustration that neither Congress nor the American people have received a clear accounting of the financial burden of military operations. More specifically, Senator King questioned Department of Defense Comptroller nominee Jules W. Hurst III, who could not provide an updated estimate despite previously serving in a role that conducted oversight of the Pentagon’s finances – though he did admit to King that his estimate from earlier this year did not include damage to America’s military installations.

Senator King began, “Mr. Hurst, I’m not persuaded by your professed ignorance over the costs of the war. You've been the Chief Comptroller of the Department of Defense until about seven weeks ago. To sit here today and say, “I don't really know and I'm not in the position…” You had to know that this question was going to come up at this hearing today. How much has the Iran war cost the American people?”

“Senator King, I will give you the same answer I gave you during the posture hearing. It was $29 billion at the time I left the position,” Mr. Hurst responded.

“Does that $29 billion include damage to facilities and assets in the region?” Senator King continued.

“No, Senator, that estimate did not include military construction. Again, we don't know what the posture is going to be. There are lessons to be learned in military construction from this conflict, and one of them is that the United States needs to invest more in hardened and deeply buried facilities, particularly in these kinds of areas. Mr. Hurst answered.

“So that’s not part of the estimate? Your estimate of 29 billion was essentially munitions and expenditures as a direct result of the conflict?” Senator King asked.

“Senator, yes, I would characterize the estimate largely as munitions and that most of the rest of that was operational costs,” Mr. Hurst answered.

“And preparing for this hearing you didn't ask any questions about updating that number?” Senator King asked.

“I felt it would be inappropriate to do so, that's not in my current role within the department,” Mr. Hurst answered.

“I think it's very frustrating to the American people that we cannot get a straight answer on what the war is costing, not to mention what it has cost and is costing to the American people at the gas pump and in other costs,” Senator King finished.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Immediately following the American airstrikes in Iran earlier this year, he released a statement asking for answers and consultation with Congress before proceeding with further military action in the Middle East. Senator King has consistently supported War Powers resolutions, asserting Congress’s constitutional authority over military conflicts, specifically demanding that the President either obtain congressional authorization for hostilities or remove U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict.

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Maine Delegation Calls for Full, Expedited Investigation into ICE Fatal Shooting in Maine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are calling for a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Biddeford. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, the delegation requested an independent review of the incident to ensure a full accounting of the facts and help maintain public confidence in the investigative process.

“We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred [yesterday/earlier this week] in Biddeford, Maine,” the lawmakers began. “Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.”

“Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation,” they continued. “Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.”

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

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Dear Inspector General Cuffari:

We write to formally request that your office conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and expedited investigation into the fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel that occurred yesterday in Biddeford, Maine.

Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting.

To ensure public trust, transparency, and accountability, we request that your office include the following key areas in your examination:

The Sequence of Events: A detailed timeline of the encounter, including the specific actions taken by both the ICE agents and the individual involved prior to the discharge of a firearm.

Operational Protocols: An evaluation of whether the tactics, use, and degree of force utilized adhered strictly to current DHS and ICE use-of-force policies.

Recording and Documentation: Clarification on the availability of audio, dashcam, or body-worn camera footage of the incident, and the status of any evidence preservation.

Furthermore, we ask that you detail the extent to which DHS will collaborate with state or local agencies in carrying out the investigation.

Given the gravity of the situation and the understandable anxiety within the Biddeford community, we urge you to prioritize this investigation. Timely and factual answers will be critical to providing closure for the grieving community and ensuring that federal law enforcement operations are conducted safely, lawfully, and in a manner that respects public safety.

We look forward to your response and stand ready to work with your office to facilitate any necessary inquiries.

Sincerely,

cc: Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; David Venturella, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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Senators Collins, King Urge DOJ to Cooperate with Maine Law Enforcement in Biddeford Shooting Investigation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today requested that the Department of Justice (DOJ) collaborate with Maine state and local law enforcement as authorities investigate yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. In a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators emphasized that coordination among law enforcement agencies is essential to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation.

“We write to request that the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cooperate with state and local law enforcement in the investigation of yesterday’s fatal shooting in Biddeford, Maine, involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel,” the Senators wrote.

“We understand that the FBI has opened an investigation into the shooting and is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General as it investigates what happened. We appreciate these steps. The facts surrounding the shooting remain a matter of significant local and national concern, and it is important that these investigations provide clear answers as to what transpired yesterday,” they continued. “Federal law enforcement agencies must fully cooperate with state and local law enforcement throughout the investigations to give the public confidence that the inquiries have been conducted in a thorough, fair, and impartial manner.”

Click here to read the complete text of their letter.

Earlier today, the Maine Delegation also sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Inspector General calling for a full, transparent investigation into the shooting to help ensure public trust in the investigative process.

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Klobuchar Urges Administration to Reinstate Food Safety Staff and Program Funding to Address Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak

WASHINGTON – Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is urging the CDC and FDA to reinstate funding and staffing for federal and state food safety programs to fight the currently uncontrolled Cyclosporiasis outbreak happening across the United States. Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by eating contaminated food or drinking water and can lead to severe dehydration, fatigue, and other health issues. So far, across the country, nearly 2,800 cases and 87 hospitalizations linked to this outbreak have been confirmed.

“I write to urge the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restore funding and staffing cuts made by the administration to federal and state food safety programs, including the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), Public Health Infrastructure Grants, Preventive Services Block Grant, Food Safety Inspection Service, and Food Emergency Response Network,” wrote Klobuchar. “As a currently uncontrolled large foodborne outbreak across the country continues, cuts to these programs are impacting our nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and contain foodborne illnesses and protect public health.”

“Preventing foodborne illnesses like Cyclosporiasis and expediently detecting and responding to outbreaks are life-saving and economically essential functions of the FDA, CDC, and state health and agriculture departments working in collaboration and coordination with one another,” Klobuchar continued. “The recent actions taken by the administration have significantly weakened federal and state defenses and undermined nationwide coordination against foodborne illnesses, particularly when there is no longer a central location for reporting and comparing data across state lines.”

Klobuchar has long led efforts to improve food safety, particularly by reducing harmful heavy metals in baby food and children's products. In 2024, Klobuchar introduced the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 to limit the levels of harmful heavy metals allowed in commercial food for infants and toddlers. In 2009, Klobuchar led the bipartisan Food Safety Rapid Response Act to strengthen federal, state, and local officials’ ability to detect and investigate food safety outbreaks, which was signed into law as part of the Food Safety and Modernization Act of 2012. Her legislation also established eight food safety centers of excellence, including the Minnesota Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence.

The full letter is available here and below.

Dear Acting Director Bhattacharya and Acting Commissioner Diamatas:

I write to urge the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restore funding and staffing cuts made by the administration to federal and state food safety programs, including the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), Public Health Infrastructure Grants, Preventive Services Block Grant, Food Safety Inspection Service, and Food Emergency Response Network. As a currently uncontrolled large foodborne outbreak across the country continues, cuts to these programs are impacting our nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and contain foodborne illnesses and protect public health.

Last year the administration made reporting of foodborne illnesses caused by parasite Cyclospora optional when it cut the CDC FoodNet program’s tracking of ten pathogens, including Cyclospora, known to cause foodborne illness, to just two. Similarly in April 2025, the administration suspended the FDA’s Food Emergency Response Network program following the firings of key scientists as part of the administration’s layoffs of federal public health employees. More recently, the administration terminated Congressionally-appropriated Public Health Infrastructure Grants and Preventive Services Block Grants, which pay for state health department staff, laboratory capacity, diagnostics, tracking, and surveillance.

Currently, a still uncontrolled outbreak of Cyclospora, first detected on May 1, has spread across at least 31 states. As of July 9, two state health departments alone have reported nearly 2,000 combined cases of Cyclosporiasis. This outbreak has resulted in at least 86 hospitalizations so far. While Cyclosporiasis is treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed, it continues to pose a risk of severe dehydration and other health issues that can result in higher health care costs and lost productivity.

Preventing foodborne illnesses like Cyclosporiasis and expediently detecting and responding to outbreaks are life-saving and economically essential functions of the FDA, CDC, and state health and agriculture departments working in collaboration and coordination with one another. The recent actions taken by the administration have significantly weakened federal and state defenses and undermined nationwide coordination against foodborne illnesses, particularly when there is no longer a central location for reporting and comparing data across state lines.

As Americans look to our public health agencies to keep their families safe and healthy, I urge you to fully restore the FERN, Food Safety Inspection Service, FoodNet, Public Health Infrastructure Grant, and Preventive Services Block Grant programs. I also urge you to continue to work closely with state public health departments to ensure they have the resources and expertise to efficiently detect and respond to foodborne illnesses and take proactive steps to keep our food supply safe.

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Lummis Introduces Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026 to Clarify Clean Water Act Exemptions

Washington D.C. — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today introduced the Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026, a bill to strengthen and clarify Clean Water Act Section 404(f) exemptions for farmers, ranchers, and landowners conducting routine land and water management activities.

“Farmers and ranchers shouldn’t need a team of lawyers just to maintain a ditch or manage their land the way they always have,” said Senator Lummis. “This bill fixes a loophole that never should have existed in the first place. If you’re doing the right thing on your own land, the federal government should be the last thing you’re worried about.”

“Farmers work every day to care for the land and be good stewards of our natural resources, but uncertainty around Clean Water Act permitting can make routine farming practices difficult,” said Zippy Duval, President, American Farm Bureau. “AFBF is proud to support Senator Lummis’ legislation to clarify Clean Water Act water permitting farming exemptions. Farmers need clear and predictable rules so they can focus on caring for their land, making investments in their farms, and continuing to provide the food, fuel, and fiber America depends on.”

“Congress recognized that farmers and ranchers must be able to carry out routine agricultural activities without unnecessary federal permitting requirements, which is why Congress included the Section 404(f) exemption in the Clean Water Act,” said Todd Fornstrom, President, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation. “However, exemptions are only effective when they are clear and consistently applied. Greater certainty is needed to ensure farmers and ranchers can confidently conduct normal farming operations as Congress intended, without the risk of unintended regulatory burdens. We appreciate Senator Lummis’s leadership in introducing legislation that provides much-needed clarity and certainty, helping farmers and ranchers continue their work while maintaining their strong commitment to conservation and stewardship.”

“Congress never intended for farmers and ranchers to need federal permits for routine agricultural activities on their own land. Yet decades of narrow judicial and administrative interpretations have transformed a commonsense exemption into a regulatory trap for hardworking landowners,” said Damien Schiff, Senior Attorney, Pacific Legal Foundation. “Pacific Legal Foundation applauds Senator Lummis for introducing legislation to restore the original meaning of the Clean Water Act’s Section 404(f) exemption, providing much-needed certainty for farmers, ranchers, and foresters by ensuring that routine farming, ranching, and forestry activities are not subjected to unnecessary federal permitting requirements. This long-overdue reform protects property rights and restores the law Congress actually enacted.”

Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) are cosponsors.


Sen. Markey, Reps. García and Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Supports for Airport Service Workers

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (July 14, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Chuy García (IL-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) today reintroduced the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would improve wages and working conditions for airport service workers. The legislation would also support working families and help stabilize the air travel industry as airlines pocket record profits while airport service workers remain stuck at minimum wage.

“These workers serve through extreme temperatures, holiday travel surges, and even pandemics — yet too many still struggle with low pay, unaffordable care, and rising costs,” said Senator Markey. “Because airports are the gateway to the world for travelers, they must also be the gateway to stable, middle-class jobs for workers. I am proud to partner with Congressmen Garcia and Fitzpatrick to lead this bipartisan, pro-worker legislation.”

“America’s airports support millions of jobs and move hundreds of millions of travelers each year. While U.S. airlines generated $6 billion in profit last year, airport frontline workers, who are predominantly Latino, Black and immigrant, are barely making ends meet. In fact 7 per cent of them live under the poverty level,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, seeks to ensure airport workers, who make our air travel possible, get the dignity and compensation they deserve for their hard work.”

“Airport workers keep millions of Americans moving every day—and a job that keeps America moving should be a job that lets a family get ahead. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will raise wages, strengthen benefits, and ensure these workers finally receive the dignity and respect they’ve earned. It’s past time Congress made sure good jobs take off at every airport in America,” said Senator Schumer.

“Airport service workers are entrusted every day with the safety, order, and reliability of one of the most complex transportation systems in the world. We cannot ask them to carry that responsibility while denying them the economic security that comes with fair wages and meaningful benefits. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act establishes one clear principle: the value of the work does not change because a job is outsourced or a different contractor signs the paycheck. By investing in the people who keep our airports moving, we strengthen the entire aviation system—and uphold our obligation to the workers, families, and travelers who depend upon it,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

“It’s a no-brainer that we should be paying our airport service workers fairly for all they do to keep our transportation systems safe and running. I’m fighting hard alongside Senator Markey to make sure airport workers finally get the compensation they deserve, which will make our infrastructure even stronger in Massachusetts and across the country,” said Senator Warren.

“Our airports – and the workers that keep them running – are critical to our economy, moving millions of people and goods throughout our country every day. It’s past time these workers see the pay, benefits, and working conditions that they deserve. I am proud to fight for the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation to provide improved wages, benefits, and labor standards to this vital workforce,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Georgia’s airports connect tens of millions of travelers to the state’s incredible history, culture, and businesses,” said Senator Warnock. “This is only possible because of the airport service workers who keep our aviation system running. Our legislation is an important step toward ensuring these workers receive the support and compensation they have earned.”

“Providing airport workers with fair compensation and protections is long overdue,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Airlines have consolidated power and raked in profits while airport service workers struggle to make ends meet. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will deliver the fair pay and benefits these critical workers who keep our country moving deserve.”

“Every Arizonan deserves to be fairly compensated for their hard work, including the men and women who keep our airports running smoothly,” said Senator Gallego. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act invests in airports that invest in their workers, ensuring airports are economic hubs not just for travels, but for the communities they’re located in. I’m proud to help reintroduce this legislation.”

“Every day, thousands of airport workers get passengers to their next destination, but many don’t make enough to cover their basic needs. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will make sure federal investments in our nation’s airports also support the workers who keep them running,” said Senator Murphy.

“I've given years of my life to this airport, keeping planes clean and passengers safe — and I still can't afford to take my kids to the doctor,” said Nicole Ray, a wheelchair agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. “Something is deeply wrong when the airlines I serve are posting record profits while I'm choosing between groceries and medicine. It’s time for Congress to decide whose side they’re on and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act.”

“Every day, airport service workers keep our country moving. They do the essential work that keeps our airports safe, our aviation system running, and millions of travelers connected. Airport service workers deserve more than our thanks, they deserve good jobs that provide dignity, security, and the opportunity to build a better life,” said April Verrett, President of SEIU. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is about recognizing the value of that work. Congress should stand with the workers who keep our airports running and pass this legislation. When we invest in working people, we build a stronger economy and a stronger nation.”

“Our tax dollars continue to be invested in the expansion and improvement of the nation’s airports. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act committed billions for airports, with the final $2.9 billion invested this year. However, airports are not just buildings with tarmacs and airplanes: a successful airport depends on its workers. Despite this, there are UNITE HERE members working in airport concessions and airline catering who are struggling to make ends meet. Some of them work multiple jobs and with no healthcare. Our investments must support a healthy workforce and offer wages that lift workers out of poverty — the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act would set a fair national standard for wages and benefits for airport workers across the United States,” said Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE.

“Airline passenger service agents are on the frontlines of the airline industry in our nation’s airports – ticketing and boarding passengers, loading and unloading baggage and performing other essential services. Despite their indispensable role in keeping air travel efficient and the flying public safe, they are underpaid and overworked. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is a long overdue step towards closing wage and benefit disparities that will allow essential airport employees to live and work with dignity,” said Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is endorsed by SEIU, UNITE HERE and CWA.

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Senator Markey Statement on the Wrongful Detention of Dr. Youlin Chen

Washington (July 14, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement on the detention of Massachusetts resident and academic Dr. Youlin Chen by the Chinese government.

“The wrongful detainment of innocent civilians is never justifiable. It is a morally bankrupt tool that authoritarian governments use to sidestep the rule of law, often in service of political wins and always at the devastating expense of civilian lives.

“My constituent, Dr. Youlin Chen, is one of those civilians. Dr. Chen has been wrongfully detained by the Chinese government since November 2024. He is a prominent seismologist who has worked collaboratively with Chinese seismologists for years, and his work is highly respected. He has never held a security clearance, and his work is transparent, academic in nature, and publicly reported and attributed. As academics and researchers from the United States and China have long collaborated to the mutual benefit of our countries, the treatment of Dr. Chen has undermined that partnership and may deter other academics from engaging with their colleagues in China.

“To be very clear, Dr. Chen has not been convicted of a crime. Dr. Chen has been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest and did not have access to his lawyer for 434 days. He has also not spoken to his family since his arrest. I am deeply concerned about Dr. Chen’s safety and well-being.

“I have been working closely with Dr. Chen’s family since his arrest. I urged Secretary Marco Rubio more than once to designate Dr. Chen as wrongfully detained under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. I am glad this designation has finally been made. I have personally engaged with Ambassador Xie Feng on Dr. Chen’s case and urged him to work with his colleagues in Beijing to secure Dr. Chen’s release. I will continue to do everything within my power to advocate for Dr. Chen’s immediate release.

“Wrongful detainment is a cowardly practice with no winners. Today and every day, the United States must condemn governments and organizations that perpetrate this crime and work hard on behalf of U.S. citizens and families who have fallen victim. I applaud the courage of Dr. Chen’s family for making this difficult decision to go public. It is my hope that increased attention on his unjust detention will force the Chinese government to do the right thing and release Dr. Chen and allow him to return to his family in Massachusetts.

“I am praying for Dr. Youlin Chen and his family today.”

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Sens. Markey and Warren, Rep. Trahan Introduce Legislation to Provide Grants for Local Water Infrastructure Emergencies

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (July 14, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) today introduced the Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act, legislation to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize emergency assistance and grants for clean water and drinking water infrastructure. When severe rainstorms this July caused a sewer pipe to break in Haverhill, Massachusetts, millions of gallons of untreated wastewater flowed into the Merrimack River, endangering public safety and resulting in economic losses from beach and fisheries closures. This legislation would provide technical and financial support to water treatment facilities during emergency situations in order to prevent and mitigate threats to public health, such as exposure to contaminants.

“Water system emergencies spell disaster for their communities—they’re expensive, bad for business, and dangerous to public health. Our communities deserve clean water and quick access to support in response to emergency situations that put their health and economies in danger,” said Senators Markey and Warren. “The federal government should be able to provide emergency grants for emergency situations. This legislation would authorize grants for clean water and drinking water, so we can spend more time keeping our communities safe and local businesses open, and less time hiking rates and fighting pollution.”

“Haverhill showed us what happens when a century-old system fails and the federal government is nowhere to be found. Cities were left to fight sewage flowing into the Merrimack with local dollars and borrowed time,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Our bill fixes that. It puts real federal money on the table the moment an emergency like this hits, so no community has to face it alone.”

On July 2, Senators Markey and Warren wrote to four federal agencies regarding the potential need for federal assistance following the sewer line break that released contaminants into the Merrimack River.

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Senator Marshall Applauds $2.1 Million in Kansas Library Funding, Emphasizes Importance of American History

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), celebrates $2,109,394 in Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding being awarded to the State Library of Kansas, which he advocated for during the federal appropriations process. These dollars will be used by the State Library to directly support local libraries across Kansas, funding important community initiatives like local summer reading programs. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Senator Marshall says these dollars also play a critical role in ensuring Kansas kids grow up knowing our nation’s history and our values of faith, family, and freedom.

“Kansas libraries are more than just a place to check out books. They provide resources for kids to learn to read, learn to think, and learn what it means to be an American,” said Senator Marshall.“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, there’s no better time to invest in passing down the history, values, and freedoms that make this country the greatest in the world. These dollars are a direct investment in our next generation, and I am proud to keep them coming to Kansas.”

Senator Marshall has long supported civics funding during his time in the Senate, including advocating for the IMLS, the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Division of Federal/State Partnership, and the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund.

Click here for more information on how Institute of Museum and Library Services funding is used in Kansas.

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Bynum, Congressional Delegation Lead Effort to Protect Clean Drinking Water for Oregon Communities

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) led a letter along with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), urging the District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Colonel Larry Caswell Jr., to ensure impacted communities are fully prepared before beginning work on the Detroit Reservoir deep drawdown which is scheduled for later this year.

The lawmakers expressed concerns over recent findings from the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”), indicating that the drawdown would mobilize sediment and pass it downstream, potentially harming local water systems and impacting the availability of clean drinking water.

In their letter, the lawmakers emphasized that varying levels of resilience and preparedness currently exist across affected water systems. They argue that in order to preserve public health and safety, the Corps must allow affected communities to execute the infrastructure and operational improvements necessary to maintain safe and reliable drinking water service before implementing the Detroit Reservoir deep drawdown.

“[M]anagement of the Willamette Valley System must balance fish recovery objectives with the public health, safety, and economic needs of Oregon communities. Success should be measured not only by our ability to strengthen salmon recovery, but by whether every downstream community can still turn on the tap with confidence,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have heard serious and repeated concerns from local governments, public water providers, emergency managers, and community stakeholders in the North Santiam Canyon and throughout Marion County regarding the potential impacts of the proposed drawdown on turbidity, drinking water reliability, public health, and critical infrastructure.”

Earlier this year, Rep. Bynum successfully led a letter along with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) requesting additional time for community engagement on the USACE proposed drawdown of Detroit Reservoir.

This letter is part of her ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of Oregonians and ensure they have a voice in decisions that affect their communities.

The full text of the letter is available HERE.

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Oregon Delegation Welcomes Major Federal Investment in State’s Semiconductor Industry

Federal lawmakers: Oregon team of nearly 100 partners awarded NSF Regional Innovation Engine Award that sets up receiving up to $160 million to grow Oregon semiconductor industry

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senate and House members welcomed today’s announcement that Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), an Oregon consortium including nearly 100 partners from across the state, will receive up to $160 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation over the next decade to grow the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Oregon State University is the administrative home for FAST.

“It’s always a good day when Oregon takes our deserved spot in the “FAST lane” for national leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who helped to lead the effort under the Biden administration to pass the CHIPS Act that aimed for federal investments just like this one in Oregon’s semiconductor industry. “Oregon is the beating heart of U.S. semiconductor production, which makes OSU a natural choice to lead one of just 12 new Regional Innovation Engines. This major federal investment will fuel cutting-edge research, good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Silicon Forest that will ripple throughout our entire state.”

“This investment in Oregon State University’s NSF FAST Engine will further supercharge Oregon’s innovative semiconductor industry,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley. “By bringing together researchers, businesses, and local partners, it will help turn new ideas into good-paying jobs and strengthen our state’s leadership in emerging semiconductor technologies. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Oregon has the federal support it needs to compete and grow.”

“The NSF FAST Engine based at Oregon State University shows how government can successfully work with higher education institutions to spur regional innovation and career readiness in advanced fields,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. “This significant investment in the semiconductor industry will strengthen our state’s continued leadership in research, development, and a future-ready workforce.”

“I am proud that Oregon State University was selected to receive this well-deserved grant. Demand for semiconductors is rising, and the NSF FAST Engine will help OSU design the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “This grant will bring industries in Oregon closer together across the state and foster innovation. It will also strengthen statewide educational partnerships, support Oregon’s semiconductor industry and improve pathways to semiconductor careers for students.”

“Oregon is called the Silicon Forest for a reason. If we want to maintain our position as a leader in semiconductor research and technology, then we need to keep innovating,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas. “This grant from the National Science Foundation will help ensure we remain on the cutting edge of the technology revolution while utilizing the talents of the Oregon workforce by providing training and jobs throughout the high tech innovation economy.”

“Proof that Oregon is THE place to invest in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Another great bet on some of our country’s best technology and brightest students,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding makes sure that Oregon’s next generation of innovators, leaders, and experts have the resources they need to secure good paying jobs and continue to build a strong economy.”

More information about the project is here.

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Oregon Lawmakers Demand Trump Reverse Course on Plan to Suppress Oregon Voters

Trump threatens Oregon election officials that do not comply with administration’s illegal and unconstitutional election requests

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum today sounded the alarm on the Trump administration’s threat against Oregon election officials unless they adhere to the administration’s plan to create a national voter database, potentially nullifying the voter registration of millions of registered Oregon voters.

“It is clear that after these attempts to secure access to sensitive state voter data have been repeatedly rejected by the courts, you are resorting to public threats of prosecution and intimidation against elections administrators in order to coerce state officials to turn over their voter rolls and cede their constitutional duty to conduct elections to the executive branch,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

The demand comes after the Trump administration threatened Oregon election officials with criminal prosecution over the administration’s claim of noncitizens voting. For months, Trump has tried to chip away at voter registration and vote-by-mail in an effort to interfere in the consequential November midterms.

Earlier this year, Trump issued an executive order requiring the creation of a national voter database, which would require states to submit their voter registration lists to the federal government for review. The order was put on pause after it was blocked in court. Trump continues to push passage of his Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in Congress, which would undermine vote-by-mail in an illegal and unconstitutional effort to undermine the rights of states to control their own election systems.

Last month, Oregon lawmakers led the charge against a new rule issued by the U.S. Postal Service that would undermine Oregon’s vote-by-mail system.

Text of the letter can be found here and below.

We rebuke your threats against Oregon elections officials and demand the Department of Justice (DOJ) cease this targeted witch hunt of states’ election administration ahead of consequential midterm elections.

On July 7, 2026, the most recent threat was issued by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon and comes following repeated failures by the DOJ to illegally attempt to obtain Oregon voter rolls containing sensitive voter information through litigation in order to create an unprecedented national voter database. It is clear that after these attempts to secure access to sensitive state voter data have been repeatedly rejected by the courts, the DOJ is resorting to public threats of prosecution and intimidation against elections administrators in order to coerce state officials to turn over their voter rolls and cede their constitutional duty to conduct elections to the executive branch.

Election officials across the country are on the frontlines of our elections, they already face unprecedented attacks and face personal safety concerns. We should be working to protect election officials regardless of political affiliation, not using government resources to further intimidate election officials that are following all federal laws, and consistently administering elections that are safe and secure, as is the case in Oregon.

These efforts are a direct attempt to undermine vote-by-mail, which is used successfully by tens of millions of eligible voters every election. Despite these efforts, the courts have also repeatedly blocked implementation of President Trump’s executive orders that aim to restrict vote-by-mail. Faced with these combined failures, the DOJ is now attempting to coerce stateelections officials with threats of prosecution in order to prevent Americans from voting.

These threats are a clear pattern in strategy to disenfranchise millions of voters in Oregon andnationwide and attack states’ constitutional right to manage and oversee elections. We demand that you immediately cease these efforts.

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VIDEO: Local Florida Schools, Major Trade Organizations Endorse Senator Moody’s Efforts to Increase Funding for Vocational Training By Targeting Multibillion-Dollar Elite University Endowments

The Bill has been endorsed by Hillsborough County Public Schools, The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, The Associated Equipment Distributors, The Automotive Service Association, The Associate General Contractors of America, and The Associated Industries of Florida.

TAMPA, Fla.— Senator Ashley Moody is targeting the multibillion-dollar endowments that fund the nation’s top universities—like Harvard and Yale—to help ensure more educational opportunities for technical and trade students. Senator Moody’s Technical Reinvestment and Apprenticeship Development Through Endowment Sharing (TRADES) Act will increase what elite universities pay on their endowment income and redirect that money to career and technical education across the United States, making that tax burden closer to what Floridians pay on investment income.

“The TRADES Act will fund technical schools that prepare Floridians to enter professions in fields like construction, electrical repair, automotive maintenance, logistics, and welding: jobs that keep Florida growing and running. Once revered American universities have now become the Left’s go-to indoctrination centers, becoming immensely rich in the process and saddling students with crushing debt. Harvard has close to $57 billion in its endowment, Yale has $44 billion in its endowment, and Stanford has $40 billion in its endowment. The top schools indoctrinating students contribute a much lower percentage on investment income on their multibillion-dollar endowments than does the average Floridian—many of whom make their money building the infrastructure that keeps America moving. My bill supports Floridians who want to learn a trade or skill and send a message that our government is committed to meaningful opportunities for all Americans,” said Senator Ashley Moody.

“As the seventh-largest school district in the nation, Hillsborough County Public Schools serves more than 220,000 students and offers extensive career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers. Perkins funding is essential to supporting these programs by expanding access to industry-recognized credentials, modern equipment, work-based learning opportunities, and workforce-aligned instruction. As Florida’s demand for skilled workers continues to grow, additional Perkins funding would help districts strengthen career pathways and ensure more students graduate with the skills and credentials needed for postsecondary success and economic mobility.

“By directing additional resources to career and technical education, S. 4907 would strengthen workforce development opportunities for students while benefiting employers, communities, and Florida’s economy,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools.

“As a nation, we should encourage and invest in career paths that do not require a college education and its associated debt. This starts with supporting good, quality job training programs that result in guaranteed union job placement. Senator Moody’s bill sends a strong message about putting our money where our priorities ought to be,” said Sean M. O’Brien, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

“Equipment dealers across Florida and the nation commend Senator Moody for introducing the TRADES Act and her tremendous leadership in tackling the skills gap,” said Daniel B. Fisher, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Equipment Distributors. “The greatest challenge facing equipment dealers remains the lack of service technicians and it is long overdue that investments in career and technical education match the extreme demand for skilled workers. The TRADES Act truly represents an investment in our future workforce, which is critical for businesses to grow, and America’s continued prosperity and competitiveness.”

“Years of underinvestment in the nation’s career and technical education programs are one of the key reasons industries like construction face significant labor shortages that delay projects and increase the cost of construction. Directing new resources to the Perkins Career and Technical Education program will help expand training opportunities, strengthen the skilled trades pipeline, and better prepare the next generation of workers for high-paying careers in fields like construction. That is why the Associated General Contractors of America supports this measure, and we encourage Congress to rapidly enact it” said Associated General Contractors of America.

In the near future, America will need hundreds of thousands of new skilled workers to keep up with demand, including electricians, plumbers, and commercial drivers. Now more than ever, we must invest in America’s future.

BACKGROUND:

Senator Moody sits on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

This bill increases the tax on ultra-wealthy universities that have $2 million or more in endowment dollars per student to 15%, similar to that of a capital gains tax and more closely aligned with what Floridians must pay on investment income. This money would be disbursed through Perkins Career and Technical Education grants, which then would allow states to invest in the skills education of around 12 million students across the country.

Currently, Perkins Career and Technical Education grants are the federal government’s primary way of funding career and technical education.

Specifically, the TRADES Act:

Puts additional federal funding into the Perkins Career and Technical Education grant program by increasing an existing tax on America’s wealthiest university endowments and redirecting that tax to the Perkins Career and Technical Education programs.

Empowers the Department of Education and states to provide more financial support to school districts and trade schools for career and technical education, including additional career and technical education curriculum, certification exams, equipment, teacher salaries and more.

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NOW LAW: Sen. Moran’s Legislation to Support Affordable Rural Housing

Moran’s legislation went into effect on Friday as part of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded the enactment of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which became law over the weekend and includes his Streamlining Rural Housing Act to support housing development in rural communities by simplifying the regulatory process for developers. The landmark housing package also includes three additional pieces of legislation cosponsored by Sen. Moran that will expand access to housing in rural America, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy within federal housing programs and increase access to affordable housing for veterans.

“There is an increasing demand for affordable housing in rural communities, and I’m pleased that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law, helping address this challenge by streamlining rural housing programs, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers and expanding opportunities for rural families to find affordable housing,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation is the most significant housing package in more than a decade and includes important updates to improve access to rural housing. I’m pleased that my Streamlining Rural Housing Act is now law, and I look forward to seeing the difference this legislation makes for communities in Kansas and across our nation.”

Sen. Moran’s rural housing priorities enacted into law:

Streamlining rural housing regulations – Sen. Moran introduced the bipartisan Streamlining Rural Housing Act, which would simplify the regulatory process for developers by requiring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to align housing standards. The legislation would help lower costs and shorten project timelines for developers, allowing them to address growing housing needs more efficiently in Kansas and across the country.

Supporting affordable housing in rural communities – Sen. Moran cosponsored the bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act, which would strengthen federal rural housing programs and bolster the supply of affordable housing in rural America by improving and building upon USDA rural housing programs.

Reducing bureaucratic barriers within federal housing programs – Sen. Moran cosponsored the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act, which would expand access to affordable housing by reducing HUD inspection delays and allowing units financed through other federal housing programs to automatically satisfy voucher inspection requirements if they are inspected within the past year. The legislation also allows new landlords to request pre-inspections to increase access to housing and encourage landlord participation.

Increasing veterans’ access to affordable housing – Sen. Moran cosponsored the bipartisan Veterans Affairs Loan Information Disclosure (VALID) Act, which would update Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage disclosures to include Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loans alongside FHA and conventional loan options. The legislation would also allow lenders to collect voluntarily provided information regarding an applicant's military service, so they can connect eligible veterans and servicemembers with information about VA loan options early in the homebuying process.

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At Hearing with Justices Kagan and Barrett, Murray Presses Need for an Enforceable Code of Conduct and Transparency from SCOTUS

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***

Washington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the United States Supreme Court—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Associate Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett on the Court’s security funding request, lack of an enforceable code of ethics, and the need for more transparency, particularly with the Court’s increased reliance on the Shadow Docket.

In opening comments, Senator Murray said:

“Justice Barrett, Justice Kagan: thank you both for being here today, we appreciate it. Like everyone, I really respect the separation of powers and the importance of an impartial and independent Supreme Court, so it is important for all of us on this Committee fulfill our responsibility to oversee taxpayer dollars. So, I just want you to know I really appreciate both of you being here and participating in this hearing.

“I do have several questions for both of you about the Court’s budget and operations. But before I go to that, I do want to say I am very troubled that the current president challenges, and has challenged, our system of checks and balances in very unprecedented ways, and the Court has made some incredibly consequential decisions without any real process or explanation—by relying on the Shadow Docket.

“It is also unbelievably important to the functioning of our democracy that we have a well-functioning, independent judiciary that is trusted by the people of this nation.

“That requires transparency, and it requires the American people to be able to know you are calling balls and strikes and not making decisions based on any financial conflict of interest in what is behind those decisions. So, I urge you to keep these issues in mind.”

[SHADOW DOCKET]

Senator Murray began by offering the justices an opportunity to respond to her concerns about the Court’s reliance on the Shadow Docket.

MURRAY: If either of you have any comments on that, particularly on the shadow [docket], I would appreciate it.

KAGAN: There are many facets to the shadow docket, and we discuss them and debate them, and sometimes disagree about them. In recent years, we have increasingly received these requests to move fast, and to move before a case winds its way through all the levels of review, and we have to decide what to do with those requests. We argue about the standards to be used, we argue about how those standards apply in particular cases; sometimes Justice Barrett and I have agreed, sometimes Justice Barrett and I have disagreed. I think that for myself, what the court is doing better on—but is not completely there on—is, even when we feel as though an earlier decision is appropriate, finding ways to incorporate greater process into our decision of those cases.

So, have oral arguments, have more briefing, make sure to explain ourselves in our decisions more than we did maybe a year, or 18 months ago, when we first started being swamped with these applications. I think we can still improve what we’re doing. I think you’re exactly right that transparency is important. People need to know—lower court judges need to know, litigants need to know, the public needs to know—what it is that we’re deciding and why. There are occasions where emergency relief is absolutely appropriate, and it’s finding those occasions, but no others, that is the challenge of this.

MURRAY: I appreciate that response, [Justice Barrett] don’t know if you have anything to add?

BARRETT: I’ll just add one thing. I think one of the challenges as we’re trying to adapt and respond to the number and character of applications that we receive is, I think one of the challenges is on our merits docket, we have a very well-established process for handling cases, and each case is treated the exact same way. The same deadlines, the same briefing limits, oral argument, etc. And as Justice Kagan alluded to, it’s a little bit different with these emergency applications because I don’t think any of us takes the position that we should have an opinion written for every one of them or oral argument for every one of them. So, it’s not quite the same one-size-fits-all process on the emergency docket that we have on the merits docket. And so I think what we’re working on now is figuring out which ones do warrant that more process—the oral argument, more briefing—and which ones should be handled in house. Which ones warrant more explanation? Which ones really should be just in order? I think that has been something that we’re just working through.

MURRAY: Well, I encourage you strongly to work through that and make it clear. I think, especially at this time, whether it comes to trust, or transparency, or truthfulness, the public needs to know, and I think you need to recognize that this is a serious question that many of our constituents have. So please continue your work and reach a goal that I think everybody would support you on. Thank you.

[SECURITY FUNDING]

Senator Murray then questioned the justices on the Court’s requests for additional security funding at various points throughout the FY26 appropriations cycle and emphasized the importance of transparency on how American’s tax dollars are being spent.

MURRAY: Now on your budget request, this Committee does take security threats facing the Supreme Court—and everyone who has signed up to serve the public—extremely seriously. That’s exactly why Congress provided $58 million in additional security funding in FY26 to address some of these increased threats and vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, however, the Court made a request for over half of this funding at the very last minute without any public explanation or justification of the need for that funding—after we had already provided $28 million in the Continuing Resolution last fall.

So, I just want to ask both of you: Will you commit to making public all relevant budget request documents in the future, including for any unanticipated supplemental funding needs?

BARRETT: Absolutely. We want to be transparent, and Justice Kagan has apologized to Ranking Member Reed on the court’s behalf if we did anything that was suboptimal in our seeking of those funds. We made those requests in response to unexpected needs—we didn’t expect the marshals to drop residential security as quickly as they did, and they told us that they were going to end it six months before we anticipated it. That was one of the big line-item reasons for seeking that extra money. So, it’s my understanding that our staff was transparent with the committee about what the money was being spent on, but absolutely we want to cooperate, and we recognize your important role.

MURRAY: I think that’s really important for you to understand and make sure that we have that documentation. Our constituents require us to be very transparent about where their tax dollars are going, so we need that budget information from you.

And we want to make sure the court has first-rate security, but we do have very little information about how you are actually building this type of security capacity that you need. So, standing up your own police and residential security is not an easy task. How long do you think it will take to be fully staffed and operational? And secondly, what expertise are you relying on to make sure your security personnel have the facilities and the training and the capacity they need?

KAGAN: We have a goal of 477 police officers. We’re a ways away from that right now. If we include people we get through contracting, we can probably do it within a couple of years, but in order to have our own employees get up to that mark, then we’re probably talking more like six years, you know, into the 2030s. As to what kind of training is being used, I think we’re going to have to get—unless Justice Barrett knows more than I do—I think we’re going to have to provide you with further information about that. I’m confident that the kind of training programs that we’ve put in place are good ones, but I can’t give you a whole lot of detail about that.

MURRAY: Okay, that is something that we need to have in order to provide the budget for you. So we’d appreciate that back.

[ENFORCEABLE CODE OF ETHICS]

Senator Murray then noted the Court should adhere to the same standards that other courts across the country do. Senator Murray supports legislation to establish in law a strong and enforceable Code of Conduct for the Supreme Court.

MURRAY: And finally, I just have a few seconds left. I heard Senator Coons when I came in talk about code of ethics, and I just want to reiterate that—as my colleagues have pointed out—that code is self-enforced, and it is a weaker code of conduct than one all the lower courts have been held to. For example, it essentially allows justices to decide for themselves whether or not they are engaging in a political activity or accepting inappropriate gifts. I know you’ve been asked at this both in the House and a number of people here have mentioned it, but I want to add my name and voice to the fact that we need and our constituents need to know that you have a code of ethics and that you are held to high standards, because that, again, is about transparency, and it is about returning confidence to the court decisions that are being made.

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Murray Calls on Thune to Hold Floor Vote on Sunshine Protection Act

***VIDEO HERE of Senator Murray speaking on Senate floor following passage of the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement celebrating the House of Representatives passing her bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, to officially “lock the clock”, end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time the national year-round standard.

“Today, the House delivered on something Americans all across the country actually want: to never have to change their clocks again. It’s not lost on me that Republicans still refuse to do literally anything to make life more affordable for families or to hold the Trump administration accountable for its daily abuse of power, but if Congress can enact permanent Daylight Saving Time, I will take this opportunity to make it happen. My state, where it is often dark earlier than 4pm in the winter, has made it abundantly clear we want permanent Daylight Saving Time. Americans from Seattle to Miami believe it’s way past time to lock the clock—I am calling on Leader Thune to bring this bill to a vote as soon as possible.”

In 2025, Murray co-led the reintroduction of the Sunshine Protection Act alongside Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). In March of 2022, Senator Murray helped ensure Senate passage of the Sunshine Protection Act by unanimous consent alongside Senator Rubio. Senator Murray has been a strong proponent of making DST permanent, expressing her support after Governor Inslee signed legislation into law to make DST permanent in Washington state if federal law is changed. In 2021, Senator Murray co-authored an op-ed with Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio on the need to pass the Sunshine Protection Act so Americans can enjoy having sunlight during their most productive hours of the day and never have to worry about changing their clocks again.

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Murray, Van Hollen Call Out Blanche for Failing to Meet with Epstein Survivors, Press Him to Make Good on His Commitment

Senators’ letter follows Blanche’s commitment to meet with Epstein survivors in response to the Senators’ questioning in front of the Appropriations Committee

ICYMI: At Hearing with Acting AG Blanche, Senator Murray Blasts Outrageous Creation of $1.8 Billion MAGA Slush Fund, Presses for Apology to Epstein Victims

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), called on Acting United States Attorney General Todd Blanche to fulfill the commitment he made at the May 19, 2026, CJS Appropriations hearing to meet with Epstein survivors.

The senators’ letter comes nearly two months after Acting AG Blanche committed to meet with the survivors in response to the senators’ questioning at the hearing and nearly seven months after the first tranche of Epstein files were released by DOJ in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Despite repeated attempts from the senators’ offices to facilitate a meeting, Blanche has still not done so.

The senators begin, “At the May 19, 2026, hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, we asked whether you would meet with Epstein survivors if we connected you with them. You responded, ‘Absolutely.’ It has been nearly two months since then, and even though we provided the Department of Justice (the Department) with the point of contact for the Epstein survivors—and have followed up on this request multiple times—the survivors have not received the promised outreach.”

“Recently, reporting revealed that you were present at several meetings last summer in the White House Situation Room with the President’s closest advisors, confirming that the White House and the Department have been more interested in minimizing damage to the President relating to his personal friendship with Jeffrey Epstein than providing transparency to survivors and holding accountable those who may be implicated in Epstein’s crimes,” they note.

“Your responsibility as Acting Attorney General is to pursue justice, not to shield the President. We therefore expect a response no later than July 28, 2026, confirming a date for the meeting with survivors you committed to hold,” the senators conclude.

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Acting Attorney General Blanche:

At the May 19, 2026, hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, we asked whether you would meet with Epstein survivors if we connected you with them. You responded, “Absolutely.”

It has been nearly two months since then, and even though we provided the Department of Justice (the Department) with the point of contact for the Epstein survivors—and have followed up on this request multiple times—the survivors have not received the promised outreach. Additionally, our offices have not received any substantive responses from the Department indicating when the meeting will be scheduled.

Recently, reporting revealed that you were present at several meetings last summer in the White House Situation Room with the President’s closest advisors, confirming that the White House and the Department have been more interested in minimizing damage to the President relating to his personal friendship with Jeffrey Epstein than providing transparency to survivors and holding accountable those who may be implicated in Epstein’s crimes.

Your responsibility as Acting Attorney General is to pursue justice, not to shield the President. We therefore expect a response no later than July 28, 2026, confirming a date for the meeting with survivors you committed to hold.

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Senator Murray on Vote Opposing the National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on her vote against taking up the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA).

“Instead of doing anything to help make life more affordable for American families, President Trump launched a reckless and costly war against Iran without authorization from Congress or the support of the American people. Today, this war is nowhere near ending, and the President has apparently endorsed this being a forever war in the Middle East.

“I will always do everything in my power to take care of our servicemembers and keep our country safe, but this bill authorizes President Trump’s absurd $1.5 trillion defense budget request while doing nothing to put an end to his disastrous war or prevent him from starting more costly conflicts abroad. I refuse to endorse President Trump’s obscene war budget, and I refuse to move this bill forward as Trump pushes our country deeper into a war the American people oppose. This Republican Congress may prioritize an endless war over affordable health care for American families, but I will not.

“Congress must support a budget that also invests in American families and making life more affordable for them, we must rein in this out-of-control President, and we must put an immediate end to this war.”

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Sen. Ossoff Working to Crack Down on AI Improperly Denying Needed Health Care

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working to crack down on the use of artificial intelligence to deny needed health care.

Sen. Ossoff is cosponsoring a Senate resolution to stop the Trump Administration from allowing artificial intelligence to improperly deny seniors’ needed health care.

This year, the Trump Administration’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, a pilot program that uses “technologies such as artificial intelligence to review the appropriateness of select services in six states over a six-year trial period.”

The Congressional Review Act resolution, led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), would repeal the WISeR Model, stopping the Trump Administration from using AI to deny seniors’ care.

“The abuse of prior authorization practices has led to Georgians being denied life-saving medication and waiting months for the care they need,” Sen. Ossoff said. “Georgians shouldn’t have to worry that artificial intelligence will improperly deny them needed care.”

Sen. Ossoff continues to work to ban insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care.

In June, during the Senate’s vote series, Sen. Ossoff offered an amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care, but Senate Republicans blocked Sen. Ossoff’s amendment. This followed Senate Republicans blocking Sen. Ossoff’s amendment during a Senate budget debate in April.

In April, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry with CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz about insurance practices that lead to denied claims and delayed health care that patients need.

Click here to read the Senate Resolution.

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Padilla Conducts Oversight at Boyle Heights Warehouse Fire Site

Padilla, Schiff, Gomez press EPA to protect community from long-term impacts

PHOTOS: Padilla conducts oversight in Boyle Heights following warehouse fire that impacted local communities

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, conducted oversight at the Lineage Logistics cold food storage warehouse in Boyle Heights following the weeklong fire that blanketed nearby communities with smoke and raised concerns about long-term environmental contamination. Padilla announced he, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34) are pressing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue monitoring the fire’s long-term impacts on air and water quality, and to work closely with state and local partners throughout the recovery.

“The fire may be out, but our responsibility to this community is not over,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Families deserve answers about what they were exposed to, whether the air and water are safe, and what steps are being taken to protect their health. That’s why I’m pressing the EPA to continue monitoring for long-term contamination and to work alongside state and local agencies until this community has the certainty it deserves.”

As part of his oversight visit, Padilla met with local stakeholders and community leaders from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), and Coalition for Clean Air to hear firsthand about ongoing recovery efforts and assess environmental concerns.

Additional photos from today’s oversight visit are available here. For additional B-roll/pool footage, reach out to KABC Los Angeles.

In a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Padilla, Schiff, and Gomez acknowledged the EPA’s initial response while urging the agency not to let up as recovery efforts continue.

“Contaminated runoff from the water used to extinguish the fire has spread through the industrial area surrounding the warehouse and collected in streets and drainage systems near the property,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge EPA to continue to support LAFD, the lead organization for the response to this incident, in performing ongoing air and water monitoring and sampling, and to continue to work in close coordination with state and local partners to study the possible long-term effects of contamination from the fire.”

“The chemicals and food products present in the warehouse and the length of time required to extinguish the fire has put communities across Southern California at risk,” the lawmakers continued. “While firefighting crews continue to work tirelessly to mitigate damage from the flames, state, local, and federal agencies must work together to monitor air and water quality in the weeks following this incident and to continue to communicate proactively with local communities.”

Padilla has consistently pushed for strong federal environmental oversight and fought efforts to weaken EPA’s ability to protect public health. In 2023, Padilla met with community leaders and families impacted by pollution caused by the nearby former Exide Technologies Inc. facility and called on EPA to designate the impacted neighborhoods as a Superfund site.

Full letter is available here and below:

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

We write to express our support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) initial response to the Boyle Heights warehouse fire in Los Angeles and to request that the agency continue to support state and local partners in monitoring air and water quality impacts on local communities.

As you know, the warehouse fire started on June 17 and has generated significant smoke that continues to affect air quality across Southern California. Furthermore, contaminated runoff from the water used to extinguish the fire has spread through the industrial area surrounding the warehouse and collected in streets and drainage systems near the property. This water is mixed with ash, debris, and burned insulation which could contaminate ocean and regional waterway ecosystems like the LA River. Given the materials present in the warehouse, we are concerned about the long-term health and environmental impacts from contaminated smoke and water runoff on communities surrounding the warehouse.

We were pleased to learn that EPA has partnered with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and South Coast Air Quality Monitoring District (SCAQMD) to perform air monitoring and sampling to measure levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, and toxic metals. Both Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Newsom issued emergency declarations on June 20, authorizing the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to provide additional assistance and resources. We urge EPA to continue to support LAFD, the lead organization for the response to this incident, in performing ongoing air and water monitoring and sampling, and to continue to work in close coordination with state and local partners to study the possible long-term effects of contamination from the fire.

The chemicals and food products present in the warehouse and the length of time required to extinguish the fire has put communities across Southern California at risk. While firefighting crews continue to work tirelessly to mitigate damage from the flames, state, local, and federal agencies must work together to monitor air and water quality in the weeks following this incident and to continue to communicate proactively with local communities. We encourage full cooperation across agencies and municipalities to ensure that Californians can continue to withstand and recover from this fire. Thank you for your attention thus far, and we look forward to continuing to coordinate emergency and disaster response efforts with EPA.

Sincerely,

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WATCH: Padilla Keynotes 2026 NALEO Annual Conference

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) delivered a keynote address at the 43rd National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Annual Conference, highlighting the impact Latino communities have made across the country. Padilla previously served as NALEO President, where he worked to advance Latino representation in local, state, and federal governments across the country.

In his remarks, Padilla encouraged Latino leaders to make their voices heard to continue fighting for representation and equal protections.

“50 years ago, Congressman Ed Roybal and his allies founded NALEO because at the time, too many Latinos were shut out of participating in our democracy,” said Senator Padilla. “But 50 years later, we’re still fighting: for representation, to be treated with dignity, for equal protection under the law, and to fully participate in our democracy. With Ed Roybal’s vision and a lot of work, we have made progress. Just look at this room. Never before in American history have there been more Latinos registered to vote or more Latinos elected to office.”

Padilla highlighted that although the Latino community has made tremendous progress, the Trump Administration continues to instill fear through increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in our cities and attacks on voting rights. Padilla referenced the deaths of Ruben Ray Martinez, Silverio Villegas González, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Joan Sebastian Guerrero, who were killed by federal immigration enforcement officers.

“When you stop and think about it, I know you know just as well as I do that victims of ICE’s terror aren’t just our constituents; they’re our neighbors, they’re our friends, they’re our family,” continued Senator Padilla. “And these aren’t just isolated incidents. They are deliberate. They are the predictable result of an Administration that has chosen to try to govern through fear and intimidation. Today, too many Latinos are afraid to report crimes, to seek medical care, to go about their daily lives because they don’t know whether they’ll come home to their family at the end of the day.”

Padilla concluded his remarks with a call to action for NALEO and Latino communities to push back against the Trump Administration’s threats against, and demonization of, immigrants and communities of color.

“Will we allow fear to divide us, or will we use our power to organize and to mobilize to defend our democracy that generations before us fought so hard to build?” concluded Senator Padilla. “This is our challenge, and it’s our responsibility to stand up and speak up and step up. We inherited more Latino political power than the previous generation. And by God, we will not be the generation that lets Trump take us backwards. So let’s get to work.”

Following his remarks, Padilla joined California Governor Gavin Newsom for a fireside chat moderated by Erica Bernal-Martinez, Chief Executive Officer for NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund.

Video of Padilla’s keynote address is available here.

Video of today’s NALEO conference and Padilla’s fireside chat with Newsom is available here.

Transcript of Padilla’s keynote address is available below:

Thank you, NALEO. Thank you, NALEO family.

Is it still good morning, or is it almost a good afternoon? Good afternoon by 11 minutes. We’ll try to get back on track because something tells me some of you want to watch a certain game that just started. But look, I wouldn’t miss this for anything. It feels very much like a homecoming, and so let me begin by thanking my tocaya for that warm introduction, and to say happy anniversary, NALEO. 50 years.

Let’s all continue to give thanks to CEO Erica Bernal-Martinez. To Chairman Brian Colon, and everyone whose leadership over the years has made NALEO one of the most important organizations in our country. And that includes my dear friend Arturo Vargas, who’s here today.

Look, you just heard from the man himself, from Dan Maldonado. That 50 years ago, Congressman Ed Roybal and his allies founded NALEO because at the time, too many Latinos were shut out of participating in our democracy.

We’ve come a long way. But 50 years later, we’re still fighting. For representation, to be treated with dignity, for equal protection under the law, and to fully participate in our democracy. With Ed Roybal’s vision and a lot of work, we have made progress. Just look at this room. Never before in American history have there been more Latinos registered to vote or more Latinos elected to office.

Never before have we held more seats or had more political power. But while we celebrate progress, millions of Latinos across the country, right now, are wondering if anyone, including their elected representatives, is fighting for them. For their families, and friends. For people like Ruben Ray Martinez. Silverio Villegas Gonzales. Lorenzo Salgado Arajo. And Juan Sebastian Guerrero.

All killed at the hands of Trump’s ICE. Ruben was a United States citizen. And at just 23 years old, he had a whole life ahead of him. Silverio was a father of three, and had just dropped off his sons at school. And Lorenzo was the husband who proudly provided for his family. He was on his way to work. And Juan, in what may or may not be another case of mistaken identity, was also here with lawful work authorization.

NALEO, we are in the fight of our lives, for our lives. When you stop and think about it, I know you know just as well as I do that victims of ICE’s terror aren’t just our constituents; they’re our neighbors, they’re our friends, they’re our family.

And these aren’t just isolated incidents. They are deliberate. They are the predictable result of an administration that has chosen to try to govern through fear and intimidation. Today, too many Latinos are afraid to report crimes, to seek medical care, to go about their daily lives because they don’t know whether they’ll come home to their family at the end of the day.

And let me be clear about this: this is not just about immigration. The same forces targeting our communities are also working to silence our political power. They’re manipulating congressional maps. They’re attacking voting rights. They’re undermining confidence in our elections. Just like they’re trying to decide who gets to be an American, they’re trying to decide whose voices’ count in our elections and whose don’t. We cannot allow them to get their way.

Now I know what happens when this administration tries to silence people who speak out. You remember.

But I also hope you remember what happened immediately after I was forced to the ground and handcuffed. I stood back up. And we all have to keep standing up and speaking up, because if they can intimidate people out of the neighborhoods today, you know they’re going to try to intimidate them away from the polls on election day. They know Latino political power is growing. They know our votes matter.

Latino political power is MAGA’s worst nightmare, and that’s why the next 112 days are so important. Not just because there’s an election, but because we must decide what kind of country we will leave for our children and our grandchildren.

Will we allow fear to divide us, or will we use our power to organize and to mobilize to defend our democracy that generations before us fought so hard to build? This is our challenge, and it’s our responsibility to stand up and speak up and step up. We inherited more Latino political power than the previous generation. And by God, we will not be the generation that lets Trump take us backwards. So let’s get to work. And with that, let me call to the stage NALEO CEO Erica Bernal-Martinez.

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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Safeguard Kids Act to Protect Children from AI Risks at School

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Rick Scott today introduced the Safeguard Kids Act, a bill to educate American K-12 students on risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and allow Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Federal Block Grants to fund AI literacy and specialized counseling programs.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Artificial Intelligence has the potential to be the greatest information innovation since the printing press, but technology is only as good as our ability to use it well and for the right reasons. We cannot let AI be the wild west and hope our kids figure it out; that doesn’t work. It’s on us to guide them as they grow. We need to teach kids about the risks associated with AI, so they can be the kind of principled innovators, leaders, and job creators America’s future economy needs.”

SCOOP: Townhall: EXCLUSIVE: Proposal Aims to Prevent Children From Using AI As a Therapist

BACKGROUND:

An October 2025 study identified 15 distinct ethical risks in AI chatbot behavior in mental health contexts — including false empathy, providing responses to reinforce users’ negative beliefs about themselves and others, and lack of crisis management. Transparency about the non-human nature and limitations of AI systems protects consumers and supports responsible innovation.

Since 2022, there have also been over 200 complaints lodged with the Federal Trade Commission against ChatGPT specifically, with many of those cases involving AI-induced psychosis, suicides, and at least one murder. In one notable case, a young woman asked ChatGPT to write her suicide note.

This legislation does not increase government spending or increase the federal deficit.

Read the full bill HERE.

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