Rep. Summer Lee Presents $675,000 for New Whitaker Borough Public Works Facility

Photos (Dropbox)

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 6, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) joined Whitaker Borough officials to present a ceremonial check for $675,000 in federal funding she secured for the construction of a new Department of Public Works facility.

The new facility will house critical municipal vehicles and equipment and provide indoor space for borough employees to perform maintenance and repairs. By protecting equipment from weather damage and allowing more maintenance work to be completed in-house, the project will help Whitaker reduce long-term costs and strengthen essential public services, including street maintenance, snow removal, and emergency response.

“Families rely on their public works employees every day, especially in times of need,” said Rep. Lee. “When snow and ice make roads dangerous, when severe weather hits, or when an emergency threatens the community, residents deserve to know their borough has the equipment, resources, and facilities needed to respond quickly. This $675,000 investment will help protect critical equipment, keep essential services running, and ensure workers are ready to show up when it matters most. I am incredibly proud to deliver these federal funds back home and to invest directly in the safety and well-being of this community.”

During the event, Congresswoman Lee presented the check alongside Whitaker Mayor Kathy Asson, Whitaker Borough Council, and Alleghany County Executive Sara Innamorato.The Congresswoman toured the project site with borough leaders.

The $675,000 award will support the construction of a modern public works facility at 200 Connections Street in Whitaker. The project is expected to improve the borough’s ability to maintain municipal equipment, respond to severe weather and emergencies, and reliably deliver services to residents.

Congresswoman Lee secured the funding through the federal Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to direct federal investments toward locally identified projects that meet pressing community needs.

Through her Community Project Funding efforts, Rep. Lee has secured direct investments for community-based organizations, including a $1 million CPF award to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, $450,000 to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, over $1.5 million in federal support for the Tree of Life rebuilding and healing initiatives, $1 million in Community Project Funding for historic renovations at the Carnegie Library of Homestead, more than $1 million in federal funding to combat blight and revitalize housing in North Braddock, and $1 million to help turn vacant office space into affordable homes, create good-paying jobs, and bring new life to downtown Pittsburgh.

These projects are part of more than $24.9 million in Community Project Funding secured during her time in Congress. Rep. Lee’s office has consistently directed federal dollars to historically overlooked communities to ensure equitable access to opportunities and long-term regional growth and stability.

Congresswoman Summer Lee serves on the House Committee on Judiciary and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Since taking office in January 2023, she has delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $2.7 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $580 million for infrastructure, over $110 million for affordable transit, over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania, and over $55 million on clean energy efforts in and around schools to help keep our kids and communities safe. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs. Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 4,000 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.


Rep. Sykes Secures Nearly $200,000 For Artificial Intelligence Research at the University of Akron

AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the University of Akron $199,413 for research on engineering and workforce development related to artificial intelligence (AI). The funding will be used to develop faster and more efficient computing methods for AI systems. This research will help improve the performance of advanced technologies.

“Research institutions like the University of Akron are driving innovation that strengthens our economy, advances scientific discovery, and improves lives. This federal investment will support groundbreaking artificial intelligence research that could lead to more efficient computing technologies while creating valuable opportunities for students and emerging scientists. I am proud to help secure resources that keep Akron at the forefront of innovation and prepare the next generation of researchers and problem-solvers,” said Rep. Sykes.

“We are grateful to the National Science Foundation and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes for support that enables The University of Akron to advance more reliable and efficient large-scale computing systems, helping address critical challenges in artificial intelligence and cloud computing while preparing the next generation of researchers,” said Suzanne B. Bausch, Vice President of Research & Business Engagement, and President of the Research Foundation at the University of Akron.

The funds awarded through this grant will be used to support new research that makes large computer systems faster and more reliable. The systems are used in AI, science, and healthcare, and they often rely on many computers running at once. When some computers slow down or fail, the entire system can be delayed. This project will develop methods that help the system finish its tasks more efficiently and will test these improvements on real cloud-based systems.

Federal investments in research help Ohio universities attract top talent, strengthen partnerships with industry leaders, and create new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in emerging fields. Rep. Sykes has consistently advocated for federal investments that expand research capacity and workforce development opportunities across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Support for research institutions like the University of Akron helps ensure that the region remains competitive in rapidly growing technology sectors while fostering economic growth and innovation.


Congresswoman Tenney Introduces CANADA Act to Hold Canada Accountable for Unfair Provincial Trade Practices Targeting American Alcohol Producers

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Combating Attacks on our National Alcoholic Drinks by Allies (CANADA) Act, legislation directing the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the Canadian provinces’ discriminatory restrictions on the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages through provincial liquor boards. The legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to begin the investigation within 30 days of enactment to determine whether the Canadian provinces’ actions are actionable under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Nearly all of Canada's provincial liquor boards have prohibited or restricted the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages, harming U.S. producers and limiting their access to an important export market. The CANADA Act builds on comments from U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, who stated that resolving the Canadian provinces’ discriminatory treatment of American alcohol producers would likely require an enforcement action. During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Ambassador Greer noted that only two countries had retaliated economically against the United States over the past year: the People's Republic of China and Canada. The legislation requires the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with affected manufacturers, industry stakeholders, and federal agencies throughout the investigation while providing regular reports to Congress on the status of the enforcement effort.

“Canadian provinces cannot be allowed to hold American wineries, breweries, and distilleries hostage and attempt to ransom them,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “American wineries, breweries, distilleries, and other beverage producers deserve fair access to Canadian markets, not discriminatory treatment from one of our closest trading partners. Nearly all of Canada’s provincial liquor boards have unfairly targeted U.S. producers and harmed hardworking American businesses due to unrelated policy issues. Beyond the harm they’ve caused to American businesses, these prohibitions are an active impediment to a productive and smooth USMCA renegotiation process. Given that the Canadian provinces have refused to act in a constructive manner, I introduced the CANADA Act to ensure the United States takes the necessary steps to hold Canada accountable until the provinces decide to drop their unjustifiable import bans. America must always stand up for our producers, our workers, and fair trade.”

This legislation is also supported by the Wine Institute, American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), and Wine America:

"For too long, America's craft distillers have been caught in the middle of a trade dispute that has nothing to do with them. We appreciate Congresswoman Tenney's leadership in bringing renewed attention to the discriminatory treatment of U.S. craft spirits in Canada and hope this legislation encourages serious negotiations that restore fair market access for American producers." - ACSA CEO Emily Pennington

"WineAmerica greatly appreciates Congresswoman Tenney's steadfast support of the American wine industry" said Executive Director Michael Kaiser. "Losing the Canadian market for our products has hurt wineries from Willamette Valley in Oregon to the Finger Lakes in New York. The CANADA Act is a good step to re-opening that market to American wines". - WineAmerica

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PRESS ADVISORY: Congressmen Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson, Lou Correa to Host 7/7 Press Conference on the need to open Gordie Howe Bridge, Town Hall on Trump’s Attacks on Voting Rights

Detroit, MI - Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) along with Congressmen Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Lou Correa (CA-46) will host a site visit in Detroit, Michigan which will include a press conference urging Trump to open the new Gordie Howe Bridge, a bridge that President Trump has unilaterally kept closed, despite it being ready to open and operate today. Opening the bridge as a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Port of Entry will facilitate efficient travel and trade between the U.S.A and Canada and improve the economies of both nations. This event will be open press (please RSVP below).

Afterward, Congressmen Thanedar, Thompson, and Correa will host a panel town hall to discuss how to combat Trump’s attack on the voting rights of the American people. This event is open to the media and public.

Gordie Howe Bridge Press Conference:

Who: U.S. Representatives Shri Thanedar, Bennie G. Thompson and Lou Correa

When: Tuesday, July 7th, 3:30pm-4:00pm

Where: Riverside Park, 8W69+PX, Detroit, MI 48216, 3085 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48216. Parking is available near the intersection of 24th St and W Grand Blvd.

RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP to: Jared.Perkowski@mail.house.gov. For day of questions, please contact Kathryn Pena at 202-981-3265

Voting Rights Town Hall:

When: Tuesday, July 7th, 4:30pm-5:30pm

Where: Frank Hayden Community Room, Room 236 at the Wayne County Community College Downtown Campus at 801 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48226.

RSVP: This event is open to the media and public. Media interested in attending the town hall must RSVP to: Jared.Perkowski@mail.house.gov. Public interested in attending the town hall are encouraged to RSVP at: https://thanedar.house.gov/rsvp For day of questions, please contact Kathryn Pena at 202-981-3265

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

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ICYMI: Semafor Exclusive: Representatives Tran, Luna Want Rideshare Liability Shield Dropped

Washington, DC – In case you missed it, Semafor published an exclusive article highlighting U.S. Representatives Derek Tran (D-CA-45) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13) leading 25 members in a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries raising the alarm about a section in the surface transportation reauthorization bill, the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), that would give rideshare companies immunity from any injury, sexual assault, or fatality that happens during a ride.

READ MORE IN SEMAFOR

“Congress should ensure that Americans retain their right to seek a remedy in court if a rideshare company fails to protect its customers or drivers. Uber alone received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct every 8 minutes over a 5-year period. Now they are facing more than 3,000 sexual assault claims in Federal and State Courts nationwide from passengers who claim they were sexually assaulted or harassed by Uber drivers. Our constituents deserve better,” wrote the members.

Introduced by Representative Fong (CA-20), the relevant section of the BUILD America 250 Act would ensure that rideshare companies “shall not be liable under the law of any State or political subdivision thereof [...] for any harm to persons or property that results or arises out of the use, operation, or possession of a motor vehicle by an app-based driver,” protecting companies from legal liability even when presented with concerning information about a driver in a criminal background check, motor vehicle background check, customer complaint, safety test, or internal complaint.

Semafor: Lawmakers Want Liability Shield Dropped

By Nicholas Wu

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing Hill leadership to strip out a provision from a surface transportation bill that could provide rideshare companies a legal shield from injuries, sexual assaults, or fatalities that occur during rides.

“Congress should ensure that Americans retain their right to seek a remedy in court if a rideshare company fails to protect its customers or drivers,” the group of 21 lawmakers, led by Reps. Derek Tran, D-Calif., and Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., wrote in a letter shared first with Semafor.

They’re objecting to an amendment sponsored by Rep. Vince Fong, R-Calif., that would limit the rideshare companies’ vicarious liability, with exceptions for gross negligence or criminal wrongdoing.

Fong previously promoted it as reducing rideshare costs for consumers by tamping down litigation and noted that companies would still be responsible for their own negligence or misconduct.

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Underwood Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Addiction Treatment for Seniors

WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood, a registered nurse, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to substance use disorder treatment for seniors. The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would require Medicare to cover high-quality residential addiction treatment programs. The legislation is co-led by Reps. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Carol Miller (WV-01), and David Valadao (CA-22).

“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I've heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”

“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”

“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge. This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller.

“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”

Around 7 million seniors have a substance use disorder, but accessing addiction treatment is difficult for many seniors because Medicare does not cover the residential treatment many patients require. This gap in coverage can cause delays in care, seriously worsening their condition or even leading to hospitalization.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would expand Medicare coverage for residential treatment options for older adults, and people with disabilities, by creating a new benefit under Medicare Part A.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Congressman Valadao Works to Lower Substance Use Disorder Rates Among Older Americans

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Carol Miller (WV-01), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) to reintroduce the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This bipartisan bill would help lower the rate of drug overdoses among older adults by authorizing residential and in-patient treatment of opioid-use disorder under Medicare.

“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”

“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I've heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Rep. Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”

“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge,” said Rep. Miller. “This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most.”

“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Rep. Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”

Supporting organizations include the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would:

Create a new Medicare benefit to cover residential and inpatient treatment for opioid use disorder according to American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) standards.

Include coverage for:

Low-intensity residential treatment for individuals who need ongoing support in a structured setting.

High-intensity residential treatment for individuals requiring more comprehensive clinical care.

Medically managed residential treatment for patients with more complex medical and addiction treatment needs.

Establish a predictable Medicare payment system that reimburses treatment providers through a fixed payment amount, helping improve access to care and encourage provider participation.

Read the full bill here.

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Vindman Hears from More Than 780 Virginians in Support of His Legislation to Ban Members of Congress from Lobbying after Leaving Office

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Baldwin, Colleagues Demand Trump Admin Rescind Rule Giving President Sweeping Power to Politicize Federal Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are demanding that the Trump Administration immediately rescind its proposed policy that will allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes and terminate or suspend federal grants at any time and without notice. The rule from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and inserts partisan politics in a process that should be driven by merit and expertise.

“This proposal dramatically expands agencies' authority to the point where the President could terminate or suspend any grant at any time for any reason and without any notice,” the Senators wrote.

The Senators continued, “OMB’s proposal also transforms federal grants from policy tools that Congress uses to promote the public good into a political cudgel that the President plans to use to punish his perceived political foes while rewarding himself and his friends. President Trump’s administration has already begun to do this.”

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

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

The letter was led by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and was co-signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Director Vought:

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

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

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

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

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

The proposal also injects vague, burdensome, and potentially unlawful terms and conditions that give the president pretext to pick winners and losers among grant recipients. Contrary to OMB claims that the proposal will bring “regulatory clarity” to the administration of federal grants, the proposal would create limits on funding based on undefined terms, making it impossible for grant recipients to comply. In the proposal OMB explains that these undefined terms will ensure that federal funds are “not diverted to . . . radical political ideologies,” without further elaboration. Grant recipients must instead “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” whatever they happen to be. Terms like “anti-American values,”9\ “gold-standard science,” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are not defined and, in some cases, are the subject of ongoing litigation. Further, Congress has passed specific statutes requiring agencies like the NIH to conduct health disparities research, including research on maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and cancer screening equity. This rule’s prohibition on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” research would complicate compliance with those statutes. Rather than focusing on fulfilling the statutory purposes of a grant program, applicants and recipients will be forced to play an endless guessing game, trying to determine which of their activities may or may not run afoul of OMB’s ambiguous regulations or the president’s whims. Ultimately, many grant recipients will decide it is too costly and confusing to try to keep up with shifting priorities of each new administration and give up on seeking federal grants altogether, frustrating Congress’s purpose to help the intended beneficiaries of the program.

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

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

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

Sincerely,

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Baldwin Demands RFK, Jr. Restore Abruptly Cancelled Teen Pregnancy Prevention Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are sounding the alarm on the Trump administration’s recent decision to terminate nearly all Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program grants and are calling upon Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately reinstate the funding for over 50 grantees nationwide, including the $1.2 million that was used to prevent teen pregnancy in Wisconsin. The $1.2 million was used to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections among young people, educate teens on how to navigate the healthcare system, and train medical providers on effectively communicating with teens.

“We write to express our outrage over your recent decision to terminate the vast majority of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grants, which will deprive teens across the U.S. of vital resources and threaten to unwind decades of progress made in reducing teen pregnancy,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators.

In their letter to Secretary Kennedy, the lawmakers note that teen pregnancy in the U.S. has been on a steady decline for decades, thanks in part to successful programs like Teen Pregnancy Prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the teenage birth rate fell by 7% in 2025, reaching another historic low.

The Senators also note that the abrupt termination of these grants aligns with the Trump Administration’s pattern of rejecting evidence and science, ignoring Congressional intent and authority, and undermining the ability of people to make their own healthcare decisions. President Trump has long sought to destroy the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, including trying to fully eliminate it in his fiscal year 2026 budget, as did his prior budgets.

“We demand that you immediately reverse course and reinstate funding for established grantees of the TPP Program, who are midway through their grants and doing essential work to prevent teen pregnancy,” the lawmakers conclude.

The letter was led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and also co-signed by 17 Senate colleagues.

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write to express our outrage over your recent decision to terminate the vast majority of Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program grants, which will deprive teens across the U.S. of vital resources and threaten to unwind decades of progress made in reducing teen pregnancy. These grants, which were canceled in the middle of their five-year project period, supported evidence-based programs that worked to prevent teen pregnancy and behavioral risk factors underlying teen pregnancy, as is required by law. This decision to cancel 53 of 66 existing grants follows a pattern of actions the Trump Administration has taken to undermine access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and put the health and wellbeing of our young people at risk. We call on you to immediately reinstate funding for these grantees who have a proven track record of working to uphold the goals of the program in accordance with the law.

For the last 35 years, the teen birth rate has been declining. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the teenage birth rate fell by 7% in 2025, reaching another historic low. In 1991, the number of babies born to mothers ages 15 to 19 was more than five times higher than it is today. Evidence suggests that these declines are driven by several factors, including the use of more effective forms of contraception, greater access to information about pregnancy prevention, and a decline in teen sexual activity[1], which the TPP Program has supported.

The very goal of the TPP Program when it was established in 2010 was to support evidence-driven practices that would reduce teen pregnancy, with the majority of funds directed to programs with models whose effectiveness at preventing teen pregnancy had been demonstrated through rigorous evaluation, known as “Tier 1”, and a smaller portion of funds for the development and testing of new prevention programs, or “Tier 2,” which helps to grow the list of approved Tier 1 curricula.

The bipartisan law that most recently appropriated funding for the program in fiscal year 2026 reiterated the program’s goals—providing $101 million for “making competitive contracts and grants to public and private entities to fund medically accurate and age appropriate programs that reduce teen pregnancy” with 75 percent of funds directed toward “replicating programs that have been proven effective through rigorous evaluation to reduce teenage pregnancy, behavioral risk factors underlying teenage pregnancy, or other associated risk factors.”

These grants were awarded to state and local health departments, universities, and community organizations across America, like the Boys & Girls Club. These are organizations that know exactly how to reach young people to provide them with the information they need to make smart decisions about their health and futures.

We know that both Trump Administrations have long sought to destroy the TPP Program. President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposed to eliminate it, as did his prior budgets, and in 2017, the Trump Administration attempted to cancel every TPP Program grant, a decision that was ultimately struck down by the courts. Now, however, allies of the president have increasingly suggested that declining teen birth rates are a “problem.” It appears this administration may agree with that assessment as you cancel funding for these proven programs. Your decision to terminate this funding squarely aligns with your department’s established pattern of rejecting evidence and science, ignoring Congressional intent, and undermining the ability of people to make their own healthcare decisions.

We demand that you immediately reverse course and reinstate funding for established grantees of the TPP Program, who are midway through their grants and doing essential work to prevent teen pregnancy.

Sincerely,

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Banks Introduces Stop the Sexualization of Children Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks introduced the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act. This legislation would prohibit federal funding from being used by K-12 schools to develop, implement, facilitate, or promote programs, activities, or literature featuring sexually oriented content for minors.

The Stop the Sexualization of Children Act is cosponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) and has received the support of the Family Research Council, Independent Women’s Forum, American Principles Project, Eagle Forum, Family Policy Alliance, Parental Rights Foundation, and Moms for America.

Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) is leading the House companion of the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, which passed the House Education and Workforce Committee with a vote of 18-13.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “The American taxpayer should not be funding sexually explicit content for minors, it’s that simple. I’m proud to lead this bicameral effort in the Senate to ensure children aren’t exposed to explicit, sexual themes in the classroom.”

Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.): “As the sponsor of the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, I am encouraged to see Senator Banks advancing this effort in the Senate. Our taxpayer-funded schools exist to educate children, not expose them to sexually explicit material or promote the false idea that a child can be born in the wrong body.”

Read more about the bill here.

Full bill text can be found here.

Key Provisions of the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act:

Prohibits the use of federal funds provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for development, implementation, facilitation or promotion of literature or materials containing depictions or descriptions of sexually explicit content.

Prohibits federal funding for programs or materials promoting concepts related to gender dysphoria and transgenderism.

Preserves funding for standard coursework.

Establishes clear guardrails to ensure federal education dollars are used for legitimate education purposes, rather than the sexualization of minors

Background:

Research has shown that exposure to sexual content at a young age can increase the risk of early sexual activity, unsafe sexual practices, and other risky sexual behaviors. In recent years, concerns have grown among parents regarding sexually explicit materials, activities, and themes being introduced in schools. Federal tax dollars should not be uses to expose minors to content that lacks educational value or is inappropriate for minors. The Stop the Sexualization of Children Act would prohibit federal funding from these supporting programs, while preserving instruction in core academic subjects.

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NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Commemorates America 250 with Tour of the First State

Click here to watch a recap of Senator Blunt Rochester’s tour

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) recently commemorated America’s 250th anniversary with a tour across Delaware. With visits to more than 20 different locations up and down the state, Senator Blunt Rochester highlighted Delaware’s diverse communities and the unique role the First State played in American history, illustrating the theme of the tour: “The American Story Starts Here.”

“This Fourth of July we marked the 250th anniversary of the great American experiment. In the days leading up to this historic moment, I felt a need to go back to ‘we the people’ and a journey through our state was born. After all, the American story starts here in Delaware,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I met farmers, learned from historians, thanked veterans, shared pain and pride with leaders of the Nanticoke and Lenape tribes, marveled at a small business who enabled the Artemis mission, saw what the future holds through the eyes of young campers, and received wisdom from two sheroes — 99 and 108 years old. And what I know for sure is the American spirit endures.”

Senator Blunt Rochester’s stops included the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover, where Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution; a full-scale replica of the Kalmar Nyckel ship in Wilmington, which carried Swedish settlers to Delaware in 1638; and the site in Seaford where Harriet Tubman helped an enslaved woman named Tilly escape to freedom. From young children at a New Castle County camp to a pair of centenarians at Whatcoat United Methodist Church, Senator Blunt Rochester asked Delawareans what America 250 means to them. Their responses included:

“America 250 means to me, opportunity. This country has opportunity beyond anything, any place in the world.”

“Celebration. Gratitude. Democracy. The future. [A time to] remind ourselves the work we have to put in today to make sure we’re around for another 250.”

“A time of renewal. A new opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the Constitution and what it really means to love neighbors as ourselves.”


Booker, Colleagues Demand Answers After Hegseth’s DoD Denies Promotions to Qualified Military Officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and a group of Senate colleagues sent a letter to Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers following reports that several military officers had been denied promotions for political reasons.

According to reports, Hegseth personally blocked the promotions of eight Navy captains — including two female officers and two Black officers — who were up for promotion to one-star admiral. In their letter, the senators pressed for details on how these decisions were made and whether political factors, including the Administration’s rollback of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs, influenced personnel decisions that are supposed to rest solely on merit and qualifications.

"We write concerning reports of your unprecedented decision to personally remove qualified officers from consideration for promotion to brigadier general, major general, and flag officer positions. These actions raise concerns regarding the criteria, process, and authorities used to make changes to promotion recommendations after completion of the highly regulated military promotion board process," wrote the senators.

The senators warned that these actions threaten the military’s longstanding tradition of remaining apolitical and could take a toll on morale throughout the ranks.

"We recognize the importance of having the most qualified officers serving in these positions of great responsibility. While there are valid reasons to remove officers from consideration for promotion for reasons that often involve sensitive or adverse information, public reports indicate your actions may be politically motivated, disregard the many achievements of these officers, and undermine the principle of an apolitical military. Additionally, there are reports that your decisions are affecting morale among all ranks of officers," continued the senators.

Booker and Ossoff were joined in the letter by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).


Senator Collins Announces the Reopening of IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Augusta and Bangor

BANGOR, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) CEO Frank Bisignano announced that Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) in Augusta and Bangor have reopened as of Monday, July 6, 2026, with current IRS staff assigned to each location. This announcement follows Senator Collins' questioning of Secretary Bessent about TAC closures in Maine at a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. The IRS is also seeking permanent staff for each TAC to provide assistance to Mainers.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news for Mainers who rely on in-person assistance to navigate our tax system. Reopening the Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Augusta and Bangor will make an enormous difference for our seniors, rural residents, and other Mainers who should not have to travel hundreds of miles simply to get help from the IRS,” said Senator Collins. “I appreciate Secretary Bessent’s responsiveness to my concerns and will continue working to better ensure that Mainers have access to the federal services they need and deserve.”

“Treasury and the IRS remain committed to delivering efficient, accessible services to taxpayers across the country. Reopening the Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Augusta and Bangor is an important step toward improving access for Maine taxpayers to support closer to home,” said Treasury Secretary Bessent. “I appreciate Senator Collins’ leadership in bringing this issue to my attention and her partnership as we expand in-person services in the great State of Maine.”

“The Internal Revenue Service is committed to serving taxpayers in communities in Maine and across the country,” said IRS CEO Bisignano. “Taxpayer Assistance Centers like the offices re-opening in Bangor and Augusta provide essential, face-to-face support to Americans seeking guidance and assistance with tax-related issues. Whether in-person, online or on the phone, the IRS is dedicated to meeting taxpayers where they need help.”

Background

TACs are physical offices that offer assistance to individuals who lack stable internet access, need help navigating technology, or otherwise need in-person assistance with their taxes. The State of Maine has the oldest population by median age in the country and a large rural population, and ensuring convenient access to these services remains especially important.

Reopening the Augusta and Bangor TACs expands access to these essential services, allowing more Mainers to receive IRS services closer to home and providing more options for taxpayers across the state to get the help they need.

In addition to questioning Secretary Bessent on this issue at the Treasury Department’s budget review hearing in April, Senator Collins, with members of the Maine delegation, sent a letter to Secretary Bessent in March requesting that the IRS reopen the TACs in Augusta and Bangor.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Maine

Augusta

68 Sewall St.

Summer Hours: July 6 – September 30, 2026

Monday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Friday: CLOSED

Regular business hours commence in the early fall.

Bangor

202 Harlow St., Suite 20300

Summer Hours: July 6 – September 30, 2026:

Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Regular business hours commence in the early fall.

South Portland

440 Western Ave.

Regular Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Presque Isle (Virtual Service Delivery location)

39 Second St. – Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library

Regular virtual assistance available by appointment only on Tuesday and Thursday by calling 844-545-5640.

IRS Virtual Service Delivery allows taxpayers to meet virtually with an IRS assistor using secure video technology to receive many of the same services available at a TAC.

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Taxpayers are reminded to make an appointment before visiting all TACs. To schedule an appointment at a local office, call 844-545-5640 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Taxpayers should bring two original forms of ID, including a current government-issued photo ID. Other acceptable forms of ID can be found on the contact your local office page. The IRS contact your local office page has more information on IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, including addresses, phone numbers and hours.

Click here to read more about this announcement from the IRS.

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Trump Accounts Create Financial Opportunity

Washington, D.C.—Trump Accounts were officially activated over the weekend, allowing parents, guardians, friends and employers to begin contributing to these tax-advantaged savings accounts for enrolled children. As part of the launch, eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will receive an initial $1,000 seed contribution from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Established under the Working Families Tax Cuts law, Trump Accounts provide a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a child’s future. About 6 million children have already been enrolled, with 1.4 million who qualify for the initial $1,000 Treasury contribution. Through an initiative championed by First Lady Melania Trump, foster children in participating states, including Idaho, may also have accounts opened on their behalf, helping expand their financial opportunities.

“Trump Accounts will give a generation of Idaho children a stronger financial start, helping them prepare for major milestones like attending college, buying their first home or building retirement savings,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “Importantly, these accounts encourage financial literacy from an early age, equipping young people with the knowledge and habits to make smart financial decisions, achieve greater independence and contribute to Idaho’s economic success.”

How it works:

Parents or guardians create the accounts through the Trump Accounts website or app, or when filing their taxes

Eligible accounts receive $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury, plus any eligible philanthropic and other governmental contributions

Friends, families and employers can contribute up to $5,000 per year, adjusted for inflation

The money is invested in low-cost index funds that typically grow year after year

When the child turns 18, they can continue saving for retirement or make withdrawals for eligible purposes, like furthering their education or purchasing a first home

What they are saying:

“Trump Accounts represent a significant national effort to strengthen the financial future of America’s children, and Idaho is proud to support that priority. This program gives families, employers, and communities another way to invest in long-term financial success and build a stronger foundation for Idaho’s next generation.” – Idaho Governor Brad Little

“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this investment is about helping children build a strong foundation for future opportunity while supporting the workforce and communities that will shape U.S. semiconductor leadership. We appreciate President Trump and Secretary Bessent for establishing these accounts, which give Micron another meaningful way to support children and families as they plan for the future.” – Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra

“Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child. By investing in our foster youth now, we help strengthen America’s workforce, communities, and economic future.” – First Lady Melania Trump

Click HERE to read Chairman Crapo’s recent column on Trump Accounts.

Click HERE to learn more about the Working Families Tax Cuts’ creation of Trump Accounts.

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

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Duckworth Arrives in Taiwan, the First Senator to Visit Long-Time Partner After Disastrous Trump-Xi Summit

The Senator reaffirms steady vision for supporting Taiwan’s self-defense, strengthening U.S. national security and promoting stability in the region

[TAIPEI, TAIWAN] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—traveled to Taiwan, the first Senator to do so after the disastrous Trump-Xi summit. After Donald Trump kowtowed to President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping and waffled on delivering a critical bipartisan arms package to Taiwan, the Senator plans to meet with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and other leaders to underscore the United States’ unwavering support for Taiwan’s democracy and discuss her work to ensure our vital partnership remains strong long-term, no matter who sits in the White House.

“As a Pacific nation, we must remain reliable partners to Taiwan—for the sake of their security and our own,” said Duckworth. “Our friendship with Taiwan is bigger than any one President. No matter who sits in the Oval Office, Congress must have a steady vision for supporting Taiwan’s democracy and self-defense for the long haul. My message is clear: I will always work hand-in-hand with Taiwan and our other partners throughout the region to tackle our shared challenges, strengthen security and build a more prosperous future.”

The Senator’s arrival in Taiwan immediately follows her trip to Japan, where she met with high-level business leaders to promote Illinois’ economic ties in the region. In addition to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, the Senator will also meet with President of the Legislative Yuan Han Kuo-yu, Minister of National Defense Koo Li-hsiung and Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin, among other leaders, in Taiwan.

Duckworth is a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations and improving security in the region—which she has done while successfully securing significant international investments in Illinois. In May, Duckworth led a bipartisan Congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Philippines and Singapore to discuss her efforts to redouble U.S. collaboration with our Indo-Pacific partners and ensure security in the region. Last month, two of the Senator’s bills to enhance crisis management strategy and to improve diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific both advanced out of committee and now await a full Senate vote.

Four months ago, Duckworth slammed Donald Trump’s reckless Iran war for being a gift to the PRC and for undermining our military readiness and security in the Indo-Pacific. Duckworth’s Indo-Pacific Medical Readiness program—a program she championed in the FY2025 NDAA and continues to implement through provisions in this year’s NDAA—will help ensure our nation’s servicemembers as well as their families have access to quality patient care throughout the Indo-Pacific region, where they often must travel long distances to receive care.

Last year, Duckworth led official visits to South Korea and Japan to meet with government and economic leaders and discuss how the U.S. can better collaborate with our Indo-Pacific partners to enhance American shipbuilding capabilities and mutually strengthen each other’s economies. As a member of SFRC, Duckworth has extensively championed Illinois abroad. In a previous trip to Taiwan, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of Illinois’s corn and soybeans, and following an official visit to Japan, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy.

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Durbin Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Delegation To The NATO Summit In Türkiye

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) is joining a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Ankara, Türkiye. The purpose of the summit is to discuss congressional support for the transatlantic relationship as President Trump continues to weaken our foreign relationships abroad, the war in Iran, as well as continued Russian aggression and interference in western democracies.

“The United States has been a proud member of NATO for decades—a united group that formed from the ashes of two horrific wars in Europe, with many newer members eventually joining after decades of Soviet oppression,” said Durbin. “I fear the President’s foreign policy positions and past comments on NATO have damaged our longstanding transatlantic relationship. This summit is an opportunity for us, in the United States Congress, to reiterate we stand with the alliance.”

Durbin will also travel to Germany to receive intelligence and military briefings at U.S. DoW installations in Germany and engage with the Defense Industry Forum in Ankara. Following the NATO summit, Durbin will travel to Budapest, Hungary to discuss bilateral opportunities and mutual defense challenges in the region.

Durbin will be joined on the trip by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and U.S. Representative Mike Turner (R-OH-10).

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Ernst Champions Smarter Regulation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced the Strengthening Manufactured Appliance Requirements towards Thoughtful Energy Efficiency Standards (SMART Energy Efficiency Standards) Act to modernize federal energy efficiency standards for furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps. The bill replaces the current installation-date compliance standard with a manufacturing date standard, aligning these products with others covered by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

"There’s no reason heating and cooling equipment should be treated differently from virtually every other product,” said Ernst. “My bill uses the date it is manufactured to provide a fair, predictable standard that helps distributors, gives contractors certainty, and keeps equipment available for American families.”

"We want to thank Senator Ernst for championing this critical legislation. Distributors work hard to manage inventory responsibly, but using an installation-date deadline creates severe uncertainty for distributors and the contractors we serve. This bill replaces that confusion with a much more practical standard that brings predictability back to the marketplace,” said Steven Roe, President of Heating and Cooling Supply in Waterloo, Iowa.

“Senator Ernst has been a tremendous supporter of Lennox, our employees, and our Iowa manufacturing roots. This common-sense legislation provides regulatory certainty, reduces inventory risk, and helps prevent supply-chain disruptions. Not only will this bill strengthen our factory in Marshalltown, it will also benefit HVAC manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and consumers across the United States,” said Eric Zito, Head of Government Affairs & Sustainability at Lennox.

“We are grateful to Senator Ernst for introducing this bill making a long-overdue technical correction to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. This simple change will reduce confusion, ease the burden on manufacturers and distributors. It will allow for a smooth transition from the previous energy efficiency standard to the new standard, all while preventing millions of dollars’ worth of inventory from being unable to be installed every time standards change,” said Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) President and CEO Stephen Yurek.

"HARDI has long advocated for aligning regional standards with the date of manufacture, and the SMART Energy Efficiency Standards Act does exactly that. This legislation makes compliance clearer, protects distributors from liability they cannot control, and ultimately supports a smoother transition to higher-efficiency equipment across the supply chain,” said Alex Ayers, Vice President of Government Affairs at HARDI.

Ernst also thanked U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Ohio) for previously spearheading this common-sense legislation in the House and for his efforts to provide certainty for manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and consumers.

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Gallego Statement on One-Year Anniversary of the One Big Beautiful Bill

PHOENIX – Following the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) on July 4th, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is highlighting how Trump and Republicans in Congress have caused Arizonans to lose healthcare, food assistance, and jobs – all so the ultra-wealthy can get bigger tax breaks.

“Right now, Arizonans are working harder than ever and getting less in return. And instead of trying to make life easier and cut costs, like they promised to do on day one, Trump and Republicans in Congress ripped away the services Arizonans rely on so they could give tax breaks to billionaires,” said Senator Gallego. “The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill is stealing from the poor to give to the rich, and Arizonans are already feeling the pain.”

By the Numbers

Food Assistance:

Over 450,000 Arizonans have lost SNAP benefits since last July. The 50% decline is the worst in the country.

Food banks across Arizona have reported a surge in demand as Arizonans seek help putting food on the table.

Healthcare:

Over 65,000 Arizonans dropped their ACA marketplace coverage – a 16% drop from 2025.

327,400 Arizonans are projected to lose Medicaid coverage by 2034.

Arizona’s State Medicaid Fund is expected to decrease by nearly $43 billion – or almost 20% – by 2034.

Jobs and Energy Prices:


Gillibrand Statement On FEMA Denying Major Disaster Declaration For New York State For February Blizzard

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) made the following statement on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to deny Governor Kathy Hochul’s Major Disaster Declaration request in response to the February blizzard that brought record snowfall, high wind speeds, and coastal flooding to New York:

“FEMA’s decision to deny Governor Hochul’s request is a massive blow to New York State’s recovery efforts. In the wake of February’s record-breaking blizzard, our local governments stepped up to protect residents and save lives. Our municipal partners shouldn’t be penalized for doing the right thing. The federal government must pay its fair share to support New York’s full recovery, and I urge the administration to reconsider this short-sighted decision.”

In April, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer called on President Trump to approve Governor Kathy Hochul’s Major Disaster Declaration request. The governor made the request for Public Assistance for Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, along with Snow Assistance for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, and Hazard Mitigation for the entire state. Tragically, the blizzard resulted in the death of five people across the state of New York.

Governor Hochul’s Major Disaster Declaration request under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act would authorize FEMA aid to help New Yorkers recover and rebuild.

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Gillibrand Statement On This Weekend’s Gun Violence And The Trump Administration’s Gun Safety Rollbacks

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement after a violent Fourth of July weekend in New York City left over a dozen people shot, including several children and one NYPD detective:

“This weekend, a family barbecue in Coney Island turned into a crime scene. Eight people were shot, four of them children as young as six. Hours later, one of our own detectives took a bullet doing his job to keep New Yorkers safe. More than a dozen people shot in two days, in a city that had just posted a record low for gun violence this year. That is not progress we can afford to lose, and it is exactly the moment the federal government should be doing more to keep guns out of the wrong hands – not less.

“Instead, the Trump administration has spent the past year and a half dismantling the very safeguards that make moments like this rarer. They’ve gutted the ATF’s ability to shut down dealers who repeatedly break the law. They’re restoring gun access to people flagged for serious mental illness. They’re rolling back scrutiny of dangerous accessories like stabilizing braces. And they are actively suing states to strike down limits on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. All of these actions defy common sense and make our communities less safe.

“New Yorkers just watched what happens when a gun ends up in the wrong hands on a summer night. The Trump administration’s answer is to make that easier, not harder. I will keep fighting in the Senate for the background checks, dealer accountability, and commonsense restrictions this administration is determined to tear down. The safety of our kids, our families, and our police officers should never be a partisan afterthought.”

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In Response To Gillibrand Request, Watchdog Releases Report Revealing The Need For Federal Oversight Of Assisted Living Facilities

Government Accountability Office Review Identifies $12 Billion Annually in Federal Medicare and Medicaid Spending in Assisted Living Facilities

Read The Report Here.

Today, in response to an inquiry by Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and other Democrats on the Senate Aging Committee, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report underscoring the need for enhanced federal oversight of assisted living facilities that are being paid billions of federal Medicare and Medicaid dollars each year.

The new report reveals that assisted living facilities are becoming an increasingly important part of the Medicare and Medicaid systems, billing them for at least $12 billion annually. GAO also revealed that because the programs do not track spending at these facilities accurately, the spending figures are most likely an underestimate.

GAO and other investigations have identified widespread problems with quality of care in assisted living facilities, including thousands of “critical incidents” such as sexual abuse, unauthorized use of restraints, patient injuries, and even deaths.

“Seniors and their families deserve protection and peace of mind when seeking care in assisted living facilities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Though these facilities receive at least $12 billion a year in taxpayer funding, they are subject to little federal oversight to guarantee resident safety. That’s unacceptable. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’ll keep fighting to strengthen regulation and expand access to quality, affordable care for our seniors.”

“This report identifies a huge federal oversight gap. Assisted living facilities receive billions in federal dollars, but there is no federal role in ensuring that they are providing high quality care,” said Senator Warren. “Residents of these facilities deserve better, and that starts by making sure that assisted living facilities are making good use of taxpayer dollars and are not leaving our seniors out to dry.”

“Assisted living facilities provide care to millions of Americans. We must ensure the federal government carries out its critical role in promoting accountability for proper care as well as for the billions of federal dollars going to assisted living facilities. Our seniors deserve access to affordable, adequate care, and our government must prioritize Americans’ health and well-being and do its job to increase transparency and ensure that access,” said Senator Blumenthal.

Assisted living facilities, including memory care centers, are state-regulated residences that provide housing, meals, and other services to enable people to live independently. They can be a valuable alternative to nursing homes for thousands of older adults. But currently, despite the high cost to live in assisted living facilities, residents in these facilities have suffered avoidable injuries and death. And despite Medicare and Medicaid paying for services at these facilities, there has historically been a lack of oversight of these assisted living facilities.

This new GAO report reveals that:

In 2024, Medicare and Medicaid spent at least $12 billion for services provided in assisted living facilities.

Combined, approximately 900,000 Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receive care at these facilities.

Most of the Medicaid spending was on Hospice and Home Health care – two programs that are known to have problems with fraud.

Other federal agencies – including Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs – also pay for room and board and other costs in these facilities.

Medicare and Medicaid do not adequately track spending at these facilities and estimates are likely an undercount because there is no uniformly defined provider type that can be linked to these facilities.

Demand for assisted living services is likely to grow because of the aging population.

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Hickenlooper, Colorado Colleagues Urge USDA to Bolster Screwworm Preparedness Actions

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse wrote a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) demanding the agency expand surveillance and response activities to prevent the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS). The increasing number of NWS cases in New Mexico and Texas is raising concerns across Western states, including Colorado.

“[W]e urge the USDA to take additional swift actions to expand surveillance and response activities and resources to prevent further spread, protecting ranchers and livestock across both Colorado and the country,” wrote Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Neguse. “As you know, NWS pose a serious threat to our wildlife, farmers, and ranchers, and overarching impacts to rural economies.”

It’s been nearly 60 years since the last outbreak of New World Screwworm on U.S. soil. Recent confirmed cases in states bordering Colorado have increased concerns for local farmers and ranchers. In the letter, Colorado lawmakers note that an infestation could be catastrophic for rural and ranching communities.

“Protecting Colorado’s agricultural economy from New World Screwworm is intrinsically tied to our nation’s food security. Preventing the northward spread of this pest shields supply chains, maintains system stability, and ensures that our ranchers remain resilient,” wrote the lawmakers. “It must be noted that if this parasite breaches Colorado borders, the financial and operational burden of response and mitigation activities would be catastrophic to our producers and our state.”

Colorado agriculture officials have already activated measures to prevent and control a potential outbreak, including coordinating the release of sterile flies. The letter from Hickenlooper, Bennet, and Neguse encourages continued cooperation between state and federal agencies.

The letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Rollins,

We write to express our growing concern regarding the recent New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak in the United States. As members of the Colorado congressional delegation, we urge the USDA to take additional swift actions to expand surveillance and response activities and resources to prevent further spread, protecting ranchers and livestock across both Colorado and the country.

As you know, NWS pose a serious threat to our wildlife, farmers, and ranchers, and overarching impacts to rural economies. We are concerned by the spread of cases from Texas to New Mexico, and encourage you to take strong steps to prevent further spread. Screwworm infestations can cause severe injury, illness, and even death in cattle and other livestock—causing significant economic losses for agricultural producers and disruptions to animal health.

We urge the USDA to bolster surveillance activities, enhance animal inspections, ensure animal traceability, and prioritize expanding sterile fly production capabilities. Concurrently, we request collaboration with producers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders in Colorado to provide clear guidance and technical assistance on NWS prevention, detection, treatment, and reporting. Robust outreach, surveillance, and coordinated response efforts are essential to limiting the spread of infestations. We also support USDA’s continued use of sterile fly releases, coordination with the State of Colorado’s animal health officials, and assistance to Colorado and other states to enhance prevention and response efforts. Further, improving early detection can help animal recovery and help minimize potential losses for producers.

Protecting Colorado’s agricultural economy from New World Screwworm is intrinsically tied to our nation’s food security. Preventing the northward spread of this pest shields supply chains, maintains system stability, and ensures that our ranchers remain resilient. It must be noted that if this parasite breaches Colorado borders, the financial and operational burden of response and mitigation activities would be catastrophic to our producers and our state. In the event of an outbreak, Colorado would need immediate and significant USDA financial assistance to execute a successful response and recovery effort. Therefore, we urgently request that USDA establish emergency cooperative agreements to ensure the necessary state financial aid.

In sum, we urge the USDA to take swift action to enhance surveillance and response efforts, expand available resources, and plan for necessary state support to keep our nation and our agricultural communities safe from further infestations.

Sincerely,


Senator Justice Joins First Settlement Physical Therapy in Support of the SAFE Act

BECKLEY, WV – Today, Senator Jim Justice joined First Settlement Physical Therapy to discuss his bill, the SAFE Act.

“This bill is about prevention, plain and simple. If we can help seniors stay steady on their feet, stay active, and stay independent longer, that’s better for them, better for their families, and better for taxpayers too. I appreciate all the work the great therapists here at First Settlement and all across West Virginia are doing. They are helping seniors live safer, healthier, and more independent lives,” said Senator Jim Justice.

“On behalf of the physical therapy community, I can’t say enough about Senator Justice’s help with the SAFE Act. He’s been front and center on this idea, and we really couldn’t ask for a better advocate. This is the type of practical, commonsense idea that saves money and helps seniors stay as independent as possible. Senator Justice, as do physical therapists, believes when you have the right kind of care at the right time, you can unlock a win-win for both patients and the budget,” said Simon Hargus, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, Owner and CEO, First Settlement Physical Therapy.

BACKGROUND:

Senator Justice introduced the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act on July 31, 2025.

The SAFE Act allows seniors on Medicare to receive a no-cost fall risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as a part of their annual wellness visit so they can detect problems before someone gets hurt.

He spoke in detail about the SAFE Act during a Senate Aging Committee hearing this past May.

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Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $76 Million In Federal Funding for Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $76,095,720 in federal grant funding for four transportation infrastructure projects that will expand passenger rail, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen infrastructure across Virginia.

“From passenger rail services to roads and waterways, countless travelers and goods move through the Commonwealth every day, and Virginia commuters and businesses deserve infrastructure that can keep up,” said the senators. “We’re proud to have secured this funding that will modernize transportation, ease congestion, support economic growth, and create a stronger infrastructure system that can help Virginians move quickly and safely.”

This funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass. This funding also follows Warner’s support for Middlesex County’s application for the Broad Creek-Chesapeake Bay Access Project and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s application for the Richmond Layover Facility.

The grant awards include:

$25,000,000 for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission’s L’Enfant Station and Fourth Track Project to improve the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) L’Enfant rail station and add a fourth main track in the adjacent railroad corridor between the L’Enfant and Virginia interlockings, increasing capacity for commuter and intercity passenger rail services.

$25,000,000 for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to complete final design and construction of the Richmond Layover Facility, which will provide overnight storage and servicing space needed to support existing and future passenger rail service. The project includes three storage tracks, one maintenance platform, a service pit covered by a canopy, upgrades to the existing railroad signal system for entering and exiting the site, roadway improvements for access into the facility, a parking lot for staff, and a site building for equipment storage and staff facilities.

$24,500,000 for the city of Lynchburg’s US 501/US 221 Intersection Improvements Project to design and construct a split one-way pair intersection that would divide existing two-way traffic on US 501 on two separate roadways at the intersection with US 221, as well as additional through lanes and turn lanes on US 501 and US 221, sidewalks, ADA improvements, a shared-use path, pedestrian crossing signals, a new flyover bridge that will eliminate an existing signal to the north of the proposed split pair, landscaping, stormwater improvements, roadway lighting, and a new transit stop. The project will ease congestion while improving safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.

$1,595,720 for Middlesex County’s Broad Creek-Chesapeake Bay Access Project to complete construction-ready designs for the redevelopment of the Broad Creek working waterfront, strengthening critical connections between the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s freight network.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth, many of the grants made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – a transformative investment in American infrastructure needs. In June, the senators announced a $1 million investment in affordable, transit-accessible housing in Norfolk, more than $310 million to reduce traffic congestion in Hampton Roads, and more than $32 million to modernize eight airports across Virginia.

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Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Demand Trump-Vance Administration Release Affordable Housing Construction Funds

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a former fair housing attorney, (both D-VA) joined Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and several colleagues in a letter urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to unlock community development tools and promptly release $750 million in federal housing construction funds.

Earlier this month, Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to help build more housing, lower costs, streamline construction regulations, preserve affordable homes in rural areas, help reduce homelessness, and curb private equity’s ability to buy up single-family homes and drive up housing prices.

The bill incorporates provisions from several pieces of legislation that Warner and Kaine championed, including provisions to improve transparency of mortgage loans for veteran homebuyers, create a pilot grant program to support new housing and community development activities, create a down payment assistance fund for first-time homebuyers, end tax breaks for large institutional investors that buy single-family homes, create a program to help communities convert vacant buildings into affordable homes, implement reforms to help preserve affordable housing in rural areas, and make it easier for community and regional banks to lend money for housing projects.

Instead of signing the law, which passed with veto-proof majorities, President Donald Trump is sitting on it.

With housing prices near record highs, the Trump-Vance Administration is also sitting on approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs. These federal funds can be leveraged by state and local organizations to develop, preserve, rehabilitate, and increase the supply of affordable housing. Together, these programs strengthen communities, revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, and ensure more Americans can afford a high-quality home at a decent price that fits their budget.

The housing affordability crisis is compounded by the fact that President Trump’s policies – including his tariffs and reckless war with Iran – have increased the cost of construction and slowed the pace of building new affordable housing units nationwide.

“We write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs,” the senators wrote.

“Today, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay,” the senators concluded.

In addition to Warner and Kaine, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Director Vought:

We write to urge you to immediately direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury to release approximately $750 million in housing construction funds available under the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Housing Production-Financial Assistance Awards (HP-FA) programs.

These funds, which are derived from the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and revenue from the Emergency Capital Investment Program, could pay to build or rehabilitate over 63,000 homes at no cost to American taxpayers. OMB has never failed to ensure annual CMF and HTF funds are released, even during President Trump’s first term. Regrettably, the Trump Administration has now withheld some of these funds for over a year.

Today, Americans are suffering through a housing affordability crisis. Single-family home prices and the average age of first-time homebuyers hit record highs last year, while more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before. This crisis is nationwide: home prices have surged 40% in Texas, 43% in Iowa, 54% in Georgia, and 65% in Maine over the past six years – far outpacing wages and overall inflation. You have the ability to increase our nation’s housing supply and help address this crisis. With that in mind, we urge you to direct the release of these funds without any further delay.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

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King Urges Coast Guard to Select Maine as Homeport for New Arctic Security Cutter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), Co-Chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, is urging the U.S. Coast Guard to select Maine as the homeport for one of its new Arctic Security Cutters. In a letter to U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, King highlighted Maine's unique advantages as the Coast Guard evaluates homeports for the next generation of icebreakers.

Arctic Security Cutters will anchor a modernized icebreaker fleet built for the most demanding conditions, ensuring the United States is equipped to defend its interests and meet emerging challenges in the Arctic for decades to come. In his letter, Senator King makes the point that as sea ice continues to recede in the Arctic, Maine’s unique location and infrastructure is ideally suited to position the next generation sea vessels to leverage America’s leadership as an Arctic Nation.

“I write to urge that the State of Maine be selected as a homeport for the Service’s new Arctic Security Cutters,” Senator King began. “The decision to build out an 11-ship fleet is a generational investment in American presence in the high latitudes, and Maine offers the Coast Guard an ideal Atlantic homeport from which to project that presence.”

“Geography makes the case on its own. Maine is the closest point in the continental United States to the Arctic, giving an Atlantic-based cutter the shortest transit to its operating areas. The state’s deep-water harbors offer reliable year-round access—from Portland, with its established working waterfront and supporting infrastructure, to Eastport, the deepest natural seaport on the East Coast. Either provides the Coast Guard strong options, and I would of course defer to the Service on the specific siting that best fits operational needs,” Senator King continued.

“As the Coast Guard makes homeporting decisions for the cutters still to come, I urge you to make Maine a top choice. No other state offers this combination of Arctic proximity, deep-water access, shipbuilding and repair capacity, and Arctic expertise, and Maine is ready to deliver for the Service and its crews. I stand ready to assist however I can, and I thank you for your continued leadership of the Coast Guard,” Senator King concluded.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator King has been a steadfast supporter of the Navy and Coast Guard. He recently secured key provisions in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support the maritime forces and ensure that America’s military can continue providing best-in-class services and defense of the homeland. Earlier this year, Senator King and his U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) traveled to Greenland to project America’s leadership and voice in the Arctic. During the visit, they met with the Prime Minister, members of the Greenland parliament, and toured the U.S. Pituffik Space Base inside the Arctic Circle.

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Dear Admiral Lunday:

As co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus and a longtime advocate for the Coast Guard, I write to urge that the State of Maine be selected as a homeport for the Service’s new Arctic Security Cutters. The decision to build out an 11-ship fleet is a generational investment in American presence in the high latitudes, and Maine offers the Coast Guard an ideal Atlantic homeport from which to project that presence.

Geography makes the case on its own. Maine is the closest point in the continental United States to the Arctic, giving an Atlantic-based cutter the shortest transit to its operating areas. The state’s deep-water harbors offer reliable year-round access—from Portland, with its established working waterfront and supporting infrastructure, to Eastport, the deepest natural seaport on the East Coast. Either provides the Coast Guard strong options, and I would of course defer to the Service on the specific siting that best fits operational needs.

Maine is a strong Coast Guard state, more than ready and capable to serve as a homeport. Sector Northern New England is headquartered in South Portland, and stations along Maine’s coast maintain close, longstanding ties to the communities they serve—a foundation of infrastructure, personnel, and local goodwill the Service can build on. Maine also brings an ecosystem built to sustain these vessels over their decades of service. The state’s deep shipbuilding heritage and skilled maritime workforce stand ready to support the construction, repair, and maintenance of complex platforms. That industrial base is complemented by genuine Arctic and maritime expertise: the University of Maine is a national leader in Arctic research, and Maine Maritime Academy offers deep expertise in maritime operations and a natural link to the Service’s Arctic mission. Together they reflect a statewide maritime culture the Coast Guard can draw on for partnership, training, and regional support.

As the Coast Guard makes homeporting decisions for the cutters still to come, I urge you to make Maine a top choice. No other state offers this combination of Arctic proximity, deep-water access, shipbuilding and repair capacity, and Arctic expertise, and Maine is ready to deliver for the Service and its crews. I stand ready to assist however I can, and I thank you for your continued leadership of the Coast Guard.

Sincerely,

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On Independence Day, King Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on Independence Day, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement to commemorate America’s 250th birthday:

“Each Fourth of July, Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. But beneath those traditions lies one of the most remarkable moments in human history. When the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, it introduced a revolutionary idea: that government derives its power from the consent of the governed, and that every person is endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those principles challenged centuries of inherited power exercised by kings, pharaohs, emperors, and monarchs, and forever changed the course of history.

“As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we're reminded that the promise of our nation has always depended on each generation's willingness to preserve and strengthen those founding ideals. Independence Day is not only a celebration of our past, but a renewal of our shared responsibility to uphold our founding values that remain at the heart of the American experiment.”

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