Congressman Shri Thanedar, Congresswoman Kat Cammack Introduce Bipartisan Customer Property Protection Act

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) introduced HR 9717, the Customer Property Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that creates regulations to ensure customer assets that are held by a commodity broker are protected in the scenario that the commodity broker goes bankrupt.

“As a lifelong serial entrepreneur, I know first-hand the innovative power of new financial technologies, and am encouraged by the rapid innovation currently taking place in the commodity sector,” said Congressman Thanedar. “But with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) last reauthorized in 2008, current CFTC regulations are out of date for today’s commodity markets, undermining present consumer confidence in these vital markets.

Our Customer Property Protection Act provides needed protections for consumers who use commodity brokers to invest in America’s rapidly growing commodity markets by ensuring that cash, securities, or other broker property will go to consumers in the event of a commodity broker’s bankruptcy if current customer property isn’t enough to make consumers whole. I am grateful for Representative Cammack’s bipartisan leadership with me on these common-sense consumer protections.”

“Americans deserve to be confident that their funds with commodity brokers are handled safely and responsibly. This legislation will help ensure that market participants are not forced to bear the consequences of misconduct or mismanagement,” said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. “The Customer Property Protection Act clarifies the treatment of customer funds by prioritizing them ahead of general creditors in the event of a commodity broker bankruptcy. I’m proud to join my colleague, Rep. Thanedar, in co-leading this commonsense customer protection for America’s futures markets.”

The full text of the legislation can be viewed here.

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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Congressman Tim Moore Announces More Than $4.9 Million in FEMA Funding for Hurricane Helene Recovery Projects in NC-14

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced more than $4.9 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery across North Carolina's 14th District. Projects include critical infrastructure repairs, utility restoration, and debris removal.

“This funding is an important step forward in the recovery from Hurricane Helene,” said Congressman Moore. “From debris removal in Burke County to utility repairs in Chimney Rock, this funding will help restore critical infrastructure and support the work that remains ahead. I appreciate President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and the folks at FEMA for helping ensure Western North Carolina’s recovery keeps moving forward.”

$2,566,448.10 will go to Chimney Rock Village for permanent water and sewer line repairs following severe damage from Hurricane Helene. These repairs include replacing damaged sewer and force mains, installing new manholes and lift stations, upsizing storm drainage, restoring pavement, and implementing erosion control measures. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

$1,537,543.93 will support debris removal operations throughout Burke County following Hurricane Helene. The project will remove approximately 19,603 cubic yards of vegetative debris from private property sites across the county under the Private Property Debris Removal Program, helping reduce safety hazards and support ongoing recovery efforts. This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

$605,074.86 will go to the City of Morganton to support pump station electrical repair or replacement due to severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

$143,419.42 will go to the Town of Lake Lure to replace building contents, vehicles, and barges damaged by Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

$108,756.26 will go to Polk County to repair or replace roadways, embankments, and culverts as a result of Hurricane Helene. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.


Congressman Van Drew Stands Up for Veterans' Benefits, Calls for Passage of Major Richard Star Act

Washington, DC - Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after working to prevent the Taking Care of America's Veterans Act from advancing to final passage in its current form due to serious concerns over using reductions in certain veterans' disability benefits to pay for other provisions in the bill.

"Doing right by our veterans has always been one of my highest priorities, and this bill contains many provisions that I strongly support," said Congressman Van Drew. "But the way it is paid for is unacceptable. It would reduce disability compensation available to veterans who file claims for service-connected health conditions. We should never take benefits away from one group of veterans to provide benefits to another. That is why I could not in good conscience support it in its current form. I have spoken directly with the VFW and veterans across South Jersey, and they share these serious concerns.

"I am a proud cosponsor of the Major Richard Star Act and signed the discharge petition to bring it to the floor. The bill would end the unfair offset that prevents certain combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years of service from receiving both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. These veterans earned both benefits through their service and sacrifice, and they should not be forced to choose between them. Congress should pass the Major Richard Star Act as written and then work together to advance the other worthwhile provisions in a responsible way that does not make disabled veterans pay the bill. We can and must do better for every veteran."


Van Duyne Leads Resolution Condemning Omar Suleiman for Celebrating Death of Sen. Lindsey Graham

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) led a resolution, with the Republican Study Committee, condemning Omar Suleiman for celebrating the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and acknowledging that House Democrats invited him to serve as Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019.

Hours after Sen. Graham’s passing over the weekend, Omar Suleiman, Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research in Irving, Texas, publicly celebrated Graham’s death, writing that he hoped Graham would “live an eternity in ruins.”

“I awoke on Sunday morning like many of my colleagues to the shocking news of Sen. Graham's passing – he dedicated his life to public service as a legislator and military officer,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “The outpouring of love and appreciation for Sen. Graham was incredible and heartwarming to see. Equally, the hatred and truly evil attacks against him were utterly shocking, especially one that I saw from my hometown by an Islamist religious leader, Omar Suleiman.”

Rep. Van Duyne continues, “Omar Suleiman’s response to Senator Lindsey Graham's death was not merely tasteless, it was depraved. He sneered, ‘Bye Lindsey,’ and condemned him to ‘an eternity in ruins.’ That is not compassion. It is not faith. It is the language of hatred from a man who presents himself as a religious leader.”

Rep. Van Duyne was joined by Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX-11), and U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), Michael Cloud (R-TX-27), Keith Self (R-TX-03), Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13), Pat Fallon (R-TX-04), Craig Goldman (R-TX-12), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Chip Roy (R-TX-21), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02), Michael McCaul (R-TX-10), Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19), Brandon Gill (R-TX-26), Roger Williams (R-TX-25), John Carter (R-TX-31), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX- 08), Randy Fine (R-FL-06), Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08), and Monica De La Cruz, (R-TX-15) in introducing the resolution.

Resolved, that the House of Representatives:

Honors the public service of Senator Lindsey Graham;

Expresses gratitude to Senator Graham for his commitment to advance America's foreign policy and national security;

Recognizes Senator Graham's role in strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel;

Condemns the statement of Omar Suleiman celebrating the death of Senator Graham; and

Supports the work of House Republicans in raising awareness about the dangers of Sharia Law and its incompatibility with American legal principles, Constitutional governance, and individual liberty.

EXCLUSIVE: Fox News first reported on this story. Read that story HERE.

Full resolution text HERE.


Vindman Demands Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today joined U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (Wash.-07), Sylvia Garcia (Texas-29), Chellie Pingree (Maine-01), Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), and Bennie G. Thompson (Miss.-02) in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses.

“Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.”

On July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle.

On July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head.

DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individuals who posed no public safety threat. In two previous shootings, ICE has claimed that victims were also “weaponizing” their vehicles, claims that have turned out to be false statements as evidence emerged.

In addition to the demands for an independent investigation and the commitment that witnesses to the killing of Mr. Salgado Araujo not be deported, the Members are asking for a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops.

The full text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin and ICE Acting Director Venturella can be read here.

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Michigan Republican Delegation Sends Letter Demanding Action on Canadian Wildfires

Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) led members of the Michigan Republican Delegation in sending a letter to the Ambassador of Canada to the United States, Mark Wiseman. The letter requests a meeting with the Ambassador to discuss efforts that can be taken to improve wildfire prevention and protect the health and safety of residents.

"As you know, wildfires are a challenge our countries share, and they pose a significant threat to life, property, and the communities we have the privilege of representing," the lawmakers write. "This crisis has been largely driven by decades of inadequate forest management that allowed hazardous fuels to accumulate, leading to larger, and more devastating fires. That is why we passed bipartisan legislation in the United States House of Representatives, H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, to increase resilience to catastrophic wildfires, promote collaboration across state and federal agencies, restore forest health, and encourage more active forest management."

"The cooperation between our two countries is paramount to protect the health and safety of our constituents," the lawmakers continue. "As a shared challenge both of our countries face, we would like to work with you to find solutions that will increase forest management, improve wildfire prevention, and enhance wildland fire suppression efforts to limit harmful wildfire smoke."

"Therefore, we promptly request a meeting no later than July 24, 2026, to discuss what steps can be taken to address the wildfires plaguing both of our countries, any progress being made in Canada on wildfire containment, prevention, and forest management, and how the United States can assist in providing active solutions to benefit Canadians and our constituents," the lawmakers conclude.

The lawmakers' letter can be found in full here.

The letter was signed by Reps. John Moolenaar (MI-02), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Tom Barrett (MI-07), and Lisa McClain (MI-09).


From the Front: July 17, 2026

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ALSOBROOKS JOINS 60+ COLLEAGUES IN COSPONSORING LEGISLATION TO HOLD PURCHASERS OF RUSSIAN OIL ACCOUNTABLE

July 17, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Darline Graham (R-SC), and over 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sanctioning Russia Act would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

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

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

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

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Blackburn Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Stop Multi-Million Dollar Birth Tourism Industry Following SCOTUS Ruling on Birthright Citizenship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced a new and improved version of the Ban Birth Tourism Actto eliminate loopholes that foreign nationals exploit to become U.S. citizens following the Supreme Court’s disappointing decision in Trump v. Barbara:

“Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara, Congress must step up to the plate to protect the integrity of American citizenship,” said Senator Blackburn. “I’m grateful to my Republican colleagues for joining me in reintroducing the Ban Birth Tourism Act to make it crystal clear that any alien seeking to come to our country to engage in birth tourism is both inadmissible and deportable under the Immigration & Nationality Act.”

“Birthright citizenship has been exploited for far too long. The Fourteenth Amendment was never intended to reward birth tourism. Congress must close this loophole, and I am proud to join Senator Blackburn in introducing legislation to end this abuse and protect the integrity of American citizenship,” said Senator Budd.

“It is a profound blessing to be an American citizen and to inherit the 250-year legacy of freedom and opportunity that has made the United States the greatest country in the world, but U.S. citizenship is not a commodity,” said Senator Cornyn. “By cracking down on birth tourism, a practice often abused and exploited by our adversaries, this legislation ensures our nation’s immigration laws are upheld and American citizenship cannot be bought.”

“The Left has spent decades turning our citizenship laws into a giant loophole for anyone willing to hop on a plane, and it's American taxpayers who foot the bill for their reckless open-borders agenda," said Senator Lummis. "Birth tourism has become a multimillion-dollar industry catering to wealthy foreign nationals who exploit our laws to buy their children an American passport and a right to vote in American elections. This bill slams that ridiculous loophole shut for good."

“Allowing foreign tourists to give birth in our country specifically with the purpose of securing U.S. citizenship for their children threatens not only the integrity of our immigration system, but also our national security. American citizenship is an honor and a privilege – we cannot let birth tourism operations and bad actors exploit it,” said Senator Sheehy. “The Ban Birth Tourism Act would close a loophole that foreign schemers have used for years to undermine American citizenship, while maintaining protections for legitimate travelers seeking medical care. I’m proud to support this common-sense legislation and look forward to seeing it advance through the Senate.”

“Birth tourism is happening, it’s wrong, and it needs to be stopped,” said Senator Banks. “For too long, foreign nationals have abused our immigration system and taken advantage of the American people. It’s time to take back our sovereignty, and I’m proud to join Sen. Blackburn in this fight.”


Booker Helps Secure New Jersey Wins in Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Flood-Prone Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) secured a slate of New Jersey priorities in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation authorizing Army Corps of Engineers flood protection projects and reauthorizing EPA drinking water and sewer funding nationwide. The bill cleared the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously.

"Too many New Jersey families live one storm away from losing everything," said Booker. "This bipartisan bill delivers real flood protection and clean water investments for communities from the Rahway River to the Meadowlands to Gloucester City. I'm proud we got this done across party lines, and I won't stop until it's signed into law."

New Jersey Wins Secured by Booker:

Green Brook Flood Control Project – advances work in both the Lower Basin and the study of the Upper Basin, moving this critical project forward after the area suffered devastating floods in July 2025.

Rahway River Basin — expedited completion of this flood risk management project to protect communities from repeat flooding.

New York–New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries — Authorizes a $278.3 million total ($180,916,000 federal / $97,417,000 non-federal) Flood Risk Management Project for coastal storm flood protection. The project that provides flood control measures across large portions of New Jersey and New York secured a final signed Chief’s Report on July 6, 2026.

Delaware River, NJ — an updated dredged material project supporting coastal storm risk management and ecosystem restoration.

NJ Meadowlands — a beneficial use of dredged material projects to restore wetlands and reduce flood risk.

Maurice River & Salem River — navigation maintenance dredging to keep South Jersey waterways open for commerce.

Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic & Union Counties — $8 million for water, wastewater, and stormwater upgrades serving the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission.

Gloucester City — $5 million for flood resiliency infrastructure.

Upper Delaware River Basin — formal recognition for coordinated flood and watershed management across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The bill also reauthorizes the Senator Booker-authored Decentralized Wastewater Program, reauthorizes the Drinking and Clean Water State Revolving Funds, and renews critical programs such as the lead in drinking water program and the school and childcare lead testing program. The bill renews EPA watershed restoration programs and directs a new EPA study of microplastics removal technology. These provisions will help protect the health and well-being of families across New Jersey and the nation.

The legislation advances to the Senate floor for consideration. The Senate action follows the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's unanimous passage of companion legislation one day earlier. The two chambers will also begin to reconcile differences between their respective bills before final passage.

“This authorization reflects Senator Booker’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of New Jerseyans and to the environment,” said Brendan Murphy, Chairman, Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. “The funding made available to PVSC under WRDA 2026 will be used to implement historic, long-needed sewer infrastructure upgrades to reduce combined sewer overflows and further enhance water quality in the Passaic River and Newark Bay, all while promoting affordability. The strong efforts of Senator Booker and his staff, as well as the bipartisan support for WRDA 2026, demonstrate once again that clean water is not optional; it is essential.”

"The Water Resources Development Act has long reflected a bipartisan commitment to protecting and strengthening our nation's water resources," said Kristen Bowman Kavanagh, P.E. Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission. "In the Delaware River Basin, continued investments in sound water resources management benefit our shared waters and communities, and we appreciate Congress's focus on these critical priorities."

“The Green Brook Flood Control Commission appreciates Senator Booker’s longstanding commitment to the project which is critical to protecting people in the Green Brook Basin from flooding,” said Raymond Murray, Chairman, Greenbrook Flood Control Commission. “We are grateful for the provisions in the WRDA 2026 legislation that he has secured, which will advance work in both the Lower Basin and the study of the Upper Basin. Senator Booker’s advocacy on behalf of the Commission is a vital part in the effort to make our communities more resilient, in protecting lives and properties from flood damage.”


Booker Leads Renewed Push to Combat Maternal Health Crisis with Mamas First Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), alongside Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), led colleagues in reintroducing the Mamas First Act, legislation that would address the maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care provided by doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support providers. These services have been proven to reduce C-sections, decrease maternal anxiety, and improve communication between pregnant women and their health care providers.

“The Mamas First Act meets a crisis that is costing mothers their lives—especially Black and Indigenous women who walk into delivery rooms carrying risks no family should bear,” said Senator Booker. “By ensuring Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this bill delivers the trusted care that keeps mothers safe and babies alive. Congress must act now.”

“Instead of slashing health care for millions of Americans like Republicans in Congress are hellbent on doing, we should be expanding access to care to protect every momma and baby,” said Senator Warren. “It’s unthinkable that the richest country in the world would also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates. TheMamas First Act will help fix this crisis by improving access to high-quality care and rooting out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system.”

“Across this nation, 40 percent of moms depend on Medicaid when they give birth. Instead of gutting Medicaid, we need to strengthen it so we can save lives. The Mamas First Act would provide mothers with access to evidence-based supportive care that can lead to healthier outcomes for them and their babies,” said Representative Moore. “At a time when stark disparities in maternal mortality continue to hit our communities hard, I am thrilled to have such incredible colleagues and advocates supporting the Mamas First Act and the ongoing fight to save lives.”

“The quality of care a pregnant woman receives should not depend on the color of her skin, where she lives, or her income. Each childbirth is different, and women and their doctors should be empowered to decide what care is best. By providing access to adequate and proper maternal services, including doulas and midwives, we will help end the maternal mortality crisis in our country and ensure our children start their lives out healthy and strong,” said Representative Dingell.

“Support from care workers like doulas and midwives can make the difference between a positive and healthy pregnancy outcome, and a devastating one. Every mom should be able to access this critically important care,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’m proud to join my colleagues and introduce the Mamas First Act, a bold step to address our country’s maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include doula, midwife, and lactation care. Together, we can, and must, take decisive action to save lives and end disparities.”

“Every mother deserves the care and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery,” said Representative Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “That is why I am proud to support the reintroduction of the Mamas First Act. Research shows that doula and midwife care can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications. Yet the United States continues to face an unacceptable maternal mortality crisis, and Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women of other racial and ethnic groups. Moms can’t wait, and neither should Congress. We must expand access to high-quality maternal care and ensure every mother has the opportunity to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”

“It is incumbent upon us all to treat mothers with the dignity, respect, and care that they deserve—and that means tackling the maternal morbidity crisis head on, especially for Black communities who feel the disproportionate impact of this crisis,” said Representative Pressley. “Our Mamas First Act would save lives and improve the quality of care by expanding coverage for doula and midwifery care. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation with my colleagues to put an end to the maternal morbidity crisis and protect mothers now.”

The Mamas First Act would:

Amend the Social Security Act to allow doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid.

Improve access to care before, during, and after delivery for underserved and under-resourced communities.

Increase the focus on culturally competent and patient-centered care to facilitate better health outcomes.

“The Mamas First Act will help address our country’s devastating maternal health crisis, which is causing vast, disproportionate harm to Black and Indigenous mothers and newborns, by ensuring that Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, and other birthing care workers for the vitally important care they provide,” said Esta Soler, president and founder of Futures Without Violence. “We thank Senator Warren and Representative Moore for championing this legislation, which will ensure these critical providers can continue providing quality care to the millions of people who rely on Medicaid for coverage. We urge leaders in both the House and Senate to prioritize its passage.”

“The Mamas First Act recognizes a simple but important truth: better support leads to better outcomes for mothers and babies,” said Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Families USA. “By expanding access to trusted community-based providers, including doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this legislation will help ensure that more families receive the high-quality, culturally congruent care they deserve during a time of immense change, vulnerability and excitement. Families USA is proud to endorse it."

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Al Green (D-TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09).

It is endorsed by Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, the National Health Law Program, HealthConnect One, BMMA Inc. (Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Incorporated), Futures Without Violence, Every Mother Counts, the American Association of Birth Centers, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, the National Partnership for Women and Families, Birth Center Equity, Families USA, and the What to Expect Project.

To read a one-pager on the bill, click here.


Following Reports of Political Interference, Booker, Schatz Demand Investigation into Military Promotions Blocked by Hegseth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following reports that U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth blocked the promotions of several well-qualified military officers based on political bias, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) demanded an independent Inspector General investigation.

“Secretary Hegseth’s alleged use of his personal views and perceptions on race and gender to interfere with the promotion process completely nullifies the extensive, competitive, rigorous, and merit-based vetting process that the selection boards put forward for candidates. It is clear that his determinations are antithetical to the standards that should be used when considering promotions,” the senators wrote in their letter to DoD Inspector General Platte Moring. “We request a review of Secretary Hegseth’s reported removal of officers from the various selection boards’ lists.”

The full text of their letter can be found below and is available here.

Dear Inspector General Moring,

We write to express our concern about the reported decision by Secretary Hegseth to remove certain officers from approved lists provided by promotion selection boards. Secretary Hegseth allegedly took the unprecedented step to remove these officers from promotion lists after selection boards had formally approved them, using what appear to be arbitrary vetting standards. If accurate, such an intervention risks depriving the armed services of highly qualified and distinguished leaders.

Federal law states that the selection board process lives with the respective service secretaries and outlines the composition of these boards. A selection board is established to evaluate officers through a structured and comprehensive merit-based framework. The board determines whether to promote an officer and the service secretary certifies that decision. This process should remain unimpeded. An intervention by the Secretary of Defense in that process is highly irregular.

Secretary Hegseth’s alleged use of his personal views and perceptions on race and gender to interfere with the promotion process completely nullifies the extensive, competitive, rigorous, and merit-based vetting process of candidates that the selection boards put forward. It is clear his determinations are antithetical to the standards that should be assessed when considering promotions.

Equally concerning is reporting that Secretary Hegseth weaponized DoD-sanctioned statements, speeches, and appearances by these officers against them. Reports indicate that the secretary and his senior aides “ordered” officials in the respective military departments to conduct online searches of the officers selected by the boards. The apparent goal was “to look for photos, videos or news articles that might draw Mr. Hegseth’s ire.” According to the same reporting, DoD officials hoped “they could show that the officers had been following previous Pentagon policies” and therefore should not be removed. In the end, following Pentagon policies made no difference and the secretary moved forward with removing the names from the promotion list.

There are also reports of Secretary Hegseth using public remarks by DoD officials as a basis for blocking promotions. Department policy requires clearance for appearances and remarks for any officers acting in their official capacity. In some cases, officers were merely speaking about their experience rising through the ranks to provide context and mentorship to the next generation of military leaders. Secretary Hegseth’s decision to use appropriately cleared appearances and remarks as a basis for denying promotions significantly undermines the leadership of those officers.

Previous secretaries of defense have allowed the service secretaries and their respective selection boards to maintain and run their promotion list process without undue bias and interference. This was standard procedure for years and followed the spirit of the law. Secretary Hegseth’s alleged direct intervention to block nearly 40 officers, half of whom are women or members of minority groups, is an unprecedented overreach. Though Secretary Hegseth stated that he would install a promotion system that would be “ruthlessly meritocratic,” he has done the opposite by imposing his own political biases to overturn merit-based decisions by senior military officers serving on selection boards.

We request a review of Secretary Hegseth’s reported removal of officers from the various selection boards’ lists that addresses the following:


ICYMI: Booker “Brings the Heat” at Confirmation Hearing, Tells AG Nominee Blanche: "This Is a Performance Review — And You Failed"

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, this week U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, “grilled” and “ripped” Trump’s personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, at his confirmation hearing for Attorney General, drawing praise for his “especially powerful” questioning, which called out Blanche's concern for Ghislaine Maxwell over Epstein survivors, and highlighted how Blanche's "own record and testimony were reason enough to reject his nomination.”

SEE FOR YOURSELF:

CBS: Booker grills Todd Blanche about Ghislaine Maxwell meeting, Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger

July 15, 2026

“New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker grilled Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about his meeting with Jeffrey Epstein ally and convicted criminal Ghislaine Maxwell during a Senate panel hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Booker also pressed Blanche about attending a dinner hosted by David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, as a Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger bid continues.”

MS NOW: Sen. Booker roasts Todd Blanche: ‘Your role is not to advance political agendas’

July 15, 2026

“Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) pressed Todd Blanche on the independence of the Department of Justice and the failure to redact some of the survivors' names and personal information in the Epstein files.”

DEADLINE: Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche Grilled on DOJ’s Greenlight of Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger: “I Was Part Of That Decision”

July 15, 2026

“Todd Blanche, Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer and his nominee to serve as attorney general, was grilled over his role in the Justice Department’s sign-off of Paramount‘s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.”

MS NOW - Deadline White House: Todd Blanche Questioned at Confirmation Hearing by Senate

July 15, 2026

Nicolle Wallace: The Senate Judiciary Committee gave Todd Blanche an opportunity to articulate a direction different from any of those flagrant abuses of norms and power at his confirmation hearing, an opportunity he did not seize. Senators Cory Booker and Adam Schiff were especially powerful in their condemnations of him.

New Jersey Monitor: Cory Booker accuses AG nominee of picking ‘Trump over truth

July 15, 2026

In a heated exchange during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Booker blitzed Blanche with questions about how he treated President Donald Trump's political foes compared to Trump's supporters and friends.

‘Your role is not to advance political agendas. Your allegiance is to the impartial application of the law, and to uphold due process for all,’ Booker said, quoting the judge's admonishment.”

Booker said, "If your record and your testimony today should show us anything, it should show you, in my opinion, that you should not be confirmed to this job."

USA Today : Todd Blanche, Sen. Cory Booker clash over meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell, prison transfer

July 15, 2026

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Sen. Cory Booker clashed over a meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell and prison transfer in a heated exchange.

POLITICO: Booker challenges Blanche on claims he can’t meet with Epstein victims

July 15, 2026

“Todd Blanche was visibly frustrated during an exchange with Sen. Cory Booker as part of his confirmation hearing Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.“

“The back-and-forth took place as Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, was questioning Blanche — President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as attorney general about attending a dinner hosted by David Ellison, the head of Paramount, while the Justice Department was investigating Paramount’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.”

The Hill: Booker: ‘Absurdity’ for Blanche to be concerned about Maxwell safety

July 16, 2026

“Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) ripped Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for his Wednesday testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Blanche said the convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell was transferred to a minimum-security prison camp in Bryan, Texas, in 2025 because of safety concerns, which Booker called an “absurdity.”

@CalltoActivism: Senator Cory Booker: Todd Blanche Just Lied Under Oath

July 15, 2026

“BOMBSHELL: Sen. Cory Booker says Todd Blanche LIED while under oath after claiming he couldn’t meet with Epstein survivors.’He can meet with Ghislaine Maxwell… but not victims.”

Meidas Touch- Legal AF: Trump PANICS as Blanche CRASHES and BURNS!!!

July 15, 2026


Capito, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of Senate Republican leadership, joined her colleagues in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

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

U.S. Senators Richard Bluementhal (D-Conn.) and Darline Graham (R-S.C.) led the legislation. In addition to Senator Capito, U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Grassley (R-Iowa), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.),Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) also cosponsored the legislation.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Sen. Cramer: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $6.4 Million to North Dakota

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $6,444,244 for the following programs and initiatives across North Dakota:

$4,043,996 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen the state’s opioid response.

$1,778,045 to North Dakota State University for biomedical research and training.

$375,000 to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo to expand access to substance use disorder treatment and mental health services across the state.

$247,203 to Spirit Lake Tribe to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and improve mental health services.


Crapo, Moody Target Fentanyl Pill Presses in New Legislation

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) teamed up with U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-Florida) to introduce legislation targeting equipment used by drug cartels to manufacture counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, which is responsible for killing thousands of Americans each year. S. 4446, the PRESS Act, would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals to manufacture illicit drugs.

“Drug trafficking poses a grave threat to our national security and the safety of the American people,” said Crapo. “Our laws must keep pace with the evolving tactics used by criminal organizations to manufacture and distribute illicit synthetic drugs. The PRESS Act would strengthen law enforcement’s ability to hold foreign actors accountable for importing precursor chemicals and pill presses intended for the production and distribution of illegal controlled substances.”

Background:

Pill press machines are often imported into the United States by drug cartels piecemeal and then assembled domestically to produce counterfeit pills that are sold to Americans and often laced with deadly fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

The PRESS Act would give federal prosecutors the tools needed to charge foreign entities that import unlisted precursor chemicals and pill press machines with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.

The bill would add criminal penalties for the unlawful importation of pill presses.

In 2025, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 45 million fentanyl pills and more than 9,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, removing an estimated 347 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl from our communities.

DEA intelligence indicates a shift in cartel operations, with increased trafficking of fentanyl powder and domestic production of fentanyl pills.

Counterfeit pills are pressed to look like legitimate prescription opioids using imported tableting machines, punches and die molds. These tabletop pill press machines can produce up to 5,000 pills per hour, with larger floor models producing 15,000 pills per hour.

China and Central American cartels skillfully smuggle pill press parts through U.S. ports and customs, often labeling them as “furniture parts” or “machine spare parts.” These parts are then reassembled as unregistered pill presses and used to mass produce counterfeit pills.

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Curtis Cosponsors Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Foreign Relations Committee, cosponsored the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Originally championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the bill is led by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Darline Graham (R-SC) and is supported by more than 60 other senators.

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

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

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

Background:

Senator Lindsey Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation in April 2025—cosponsored by Curtis—to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 targets Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil and gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.

A one-pager on the legislation is available here, and the bill text is available here.


Curtis, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Support Young Men’s Community Involvement, Mentorship

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Building Community in America Act, bipartisan legislation to expand pathways for Americans to serve as mentors, volunteers, and community leaders. The bill expands service participation among underrepresented populations, with a focus on men, in mentoring, coaching, youth development, and community-building activities.

“At a time when too many young men feel lonely and isolated, we should be creating more opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and connect to a great purpose,” said Senator Curtis. “By helping connect more young men to meaningful service and mentorship programs, our legislation will make our communities healthier, more resilient, and more connected.”

“Every kid deserves positive role models, and every community is stronger when more people step up to serve,” said Senator Kelly. “My years in the Navy taught me that service gives you purpose, responsibility and a stronger connection to your community. Right now, too many schools need teachers and too many mentoring programs need volunteers. We need more men to become teachers, mentors, and volunteers. When more people serve, our kids and our communities are better off.”

Background:

America’s communities are facing shortages of teachers, mentors, and volunteers at a time when many young people report feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected. Research shows volunteering strengthens social connections, improves mental and physical health, and increases civic engagement, yet men represent just 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers. Boys also face longer waitlists for mentors, and one in four boys and young men lacks an adult male mentor they can rely on.

The legislation addresses declining community engagement and increasing concerns about loneliness and disconnection among young people. Men today make up just 23 percent of public-school teachers and 28 percent of AmeriCorps volunteers, despite the important role teachers, mentors, and volunteers play in young people’s development.

The Building Community in America Act would:

Prioritize national service programs that recruit and train underrepresented participants, including men;

Expand opportunities to serve in youth mentoring, after-school programs, conservation, disaster response, public safety, violence interruption, reentry services, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and workforce development; and

Strengthen communities by encouraging more Americans to volunteer, mentor, and serve.


Curtis, Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Aviation Safety After Slackline-Helicopter Tragedy

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in the low-altitude airspace, such as slacklines. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).

“High-adventure activities in Utah, like slacklining, should not come at the cost of aviation safety, particularly for helicopter pilots who transport patients, fight wildfires, and support search and rescue missions,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan bill takes a practical look at where the FAA can modernize its policies, improve coordination, and reduce unnecessary risks so everyone sharing our airspace can do so more safely.”

“Strengthening aviation safety is something that both Republicans and Democrats can get behind, especially following the tragic slackline collision that took the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Senator Merkley. “The FAA must do all it can to keep the flying public safe, and our bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the agency to prioritize aviation safety. We must move swiftly to reduce the risk of any similar tragedy in the future.”

“Congress must act with urgency to ensure federal regulators are taking every possible step to prevent low-flying aircraft crashes with slacklines like the tragedy that cost the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year,” said Senator Wyden. “This bill would accomplish that goal by setting deadlines for the Federal Aviation Administration to update and improve its policies and regulations for low-altitude airspace safety.”

“David, Katelyn, Rachel, and Faith lost their lives in an Arizona helicopter crash that never should have happened. I’ve met with their family. No one should have to go through what they’ve been through. This bill makes sure the FAA acts quickly to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,” said Senator Kelly.

Background:

The introduction of the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act follows a deadly helicopter crash caused by a collision with a slackline on January 2, 2026, that tragically claimed the lives of four Oregonians—David McCarty and his three nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. The bipartisan bill would instruct the FAA to use its authorities to review existing policies and regulations related to low-altitude airspace safety, including identifying appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements such as updated requirements related to markings on slacklines.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

The bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act is supported by Southern Utah University (SUU) Aviation, Vertical Aviation International (VAI), National Transportation Aviation Association (NATA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), BackcountryPilot.org, American Spray Drone Coalition, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Life Flight Network, National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), and Commercial Drone Alliance.

On behalf of the McCarty and Heideman family, “We are very grateful and excited to see the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act be introduced. It is a crucial and urgent step towards making the airspace safer for pilots, passengers, cargo, and anyone using the airspace for work or recreation. We look forward to working on getting this across the finish line!”

“At Southern Utah University’s School of Aviation, we are preparing the next generation of pilots to operate safely in an increasingly complex National Airspace System. That requires more than strong flight training, it requires pilots to have timely, accurate, and easily accessible information about hazards in the airspace around them. The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act takes a practical approach by improving transparency, strengthening coordination, and examining how temporary obstruction information can be integrated into the digital flight-planning tools pilots use every day. Safety of flight and protection of the National Airspace System must remain our highest priorities, and we appreciate Senator Curtis’s leadership on this important bipartisan legislation,” said Michael Mower, Executive Director, Chief Instructor Southern Utah University’s School of Aviation.

“Wildfire airspace overlaps public lands and recreation. Formal coordination with the FAA, Forest Service, BLM, and Park Service—paired with real outreach and right sized penalties for creating low altitude hazards—prevents tragedies before they happen. We strongly support this bill and urge swift passage,” said Paul Peterson, Executive Director, United Aerial Firefighters Association.

“The National Agricultural Aviation Association firmly endorses the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act. The requirements this act places on the FAA will help ensure no more aviators operating in the low altitude airspace lose their life because of an unmarked slackline or other hazard strung across the landscape,” said Matthew Woolard, President, National Agricultural Aviation Association.

“The American Spray Drone Coalition (ASDC) strongly endorses the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, reflecting our deep commitment to promoting high standards of low-altitude airspace safety for both crewed and uncrewed aviators. By directing the FAA to review existing safety policies, this legislation takes a critical first step toward assessing necessary improvements for temporary obstruction markings and ensuring obstacle data can be seamlessly integrated into modern digital flight planning tools,” said Eric Ringer, President, American Spray Drone Association.


Duckworth at Center for Strategic and International Studies: “America Needs to Show Up and Deliver in the Indo-Pacific”

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Armed Services (SASC)—outlined why it is so important for the United States to increase coordination and cooperation with our partners in the Indo-Pacific at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). During the conversation, Duckworth shared her firsthand takeaways from her official trip last week to Taiwan and Japan, as well as her trip in May to the Philippines and Singapore, where she met with top government and economic leaders to discuss how we can strengthen our partnerships and bolster security. Full video of the event can be found on the CSIS YouTube page, and photos from the event can be found on the Senator’s website.

“As a Pacific nation, our national security and economy depend on a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Duckworth. “The United States must show up and deliver for our partners in the region. No matter who is in the White House, I’ll always work to ensure the Senate prioritizes engagement with our Indo-Pacific partners for the long haul. The stronger our relationships and coordination in the region, the better we all can deter PRC aggression and make each other safer.”

During the event, Duckworth articulated her vision for restored U.S. engagement in the region. In particular, the Senator highlighted the need for the United States to support accelerating multilateral coordination and invest in a robust diplomatic presence to complement our military’s work to stabilize alliances amidst President Trump’s dismissive and alienating rhetoric, destructive and costly tariffs and reckless war against Iran. She emphasized the interconnected nature of the U.S. and the region’s economies, sharing how, in the all-out race for quantum, engaging nations at the cutting edge, like Japan, helps the U.S. build resilient supply chains that bolster national security while driving new investment in Illinois.

Duckworth continues to be a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations. She is the first U.S. Senator to visit Taiwan after the disastrous Trump-Xi summit where Donald Trump kowtowed to PRC President Xi Jinping and waffled on delivering a critical bipartisan arms package to Taiwan. Upon her arrival, Duckworth penned an op-ed underscoring that the United States’ commitment to Taiwan is steadfast—regardless of who is in the White House. The Senator also highlighted numerous ways she is working to strengthen their partnership and security in the Indo-Pacific region, including through her bipartisan Strategy for Crisis Management Act and South China Sea Strategy Act that both recently passed committee and now await a full Senate vote.

The Senator’s Strategy for Crisis Management Act was one of several provisions she secured in this year’s committee-passed NDAA to enhance our readiness and coordination with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. This provision would help deescalate consequential crises short of war in the South China Sea. Among Duckworth’s other wins are provisions that would drive cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies and partners on asymmetric operations and improve medical preparedness and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

In addition, 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.

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Duckworth, Durbin Hold Listening Session on the Costs of Trump’s Big, Ugly Betrayal on Our Health Care System in the Year Since It Became Law

[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) held a listening session with Illinois health care providers, leaders and advocates to discuss the devastating costs that Donald Trump and Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” have had on our health care system in the year since this disastrous legislation was signed into law last July. The law enacted a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid—the largest Medicaid cut in our nation’s history—in order to carve out tax cuts for billionaires, leading to hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans losing health care coverage and leaving hospitals across our state at risk of closing altogether. Photos from the listening session can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.

“The ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is really anything but beautiful—it’s a big, ugly betrayal of middle-class families, Veterans and communities across our country,” said Senator Duckworth. “One year ago, Trump and Republicans betrayed their promises and gutted Medicaid by $1 trillion to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, while putting hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans at risk of losing their health coverage, threatening hospitals across our state and making it harder for families to put food on the table. And the pain felt by Illinoisans over the last year will only grow worse. While Republicans refuse to fight for families, Senator Durbin and I refuse to give up on those who are simply trying to provide for their loved ones and make ends meet.”

“The stories we heard today are a reminder of the stakes in this debate, and of the consequences of President Trump’s so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’” said Senator Durbin. “This is true with respect to our health care system. Now, Illinois hospitals—especially safety-net and rural hospitals—are being forced to do more with less, shuttering entire services and gutting access to care for those who need it most. I will continue to work alongside Senator Duckworth and Democrats in Congress to reverse these shameful cuts and protect access to health care for all.”

During the discussion, health care providers, advocates and other participants shared their personal stories with the Senators about how Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill has impacted them and highlight their concerns as these cuts continue to worsen over time.

Kim Jay, a training manager and senior community health worker at Sinai Urban Health Institute’s Center for Community Health Worker Research, Outcomes and Workforce Development (CROWD), discussed how cuts to health care and food assistance will make it harder for community health workers to help families access the care and resources they need, emphasizing that “behind every policy is a person deserving of access, dignity, opportunity and hope.”

Dr. Nancy Glick, the Medical Director of the Sinai Infectious Diseases Center and Director of Infectious Diseases for Access Community Health Network, spoke about how reduced access to health coverage could lead patients to delay care until their conditions become more severe, warning that “by keeping people away from care, it will just mean that when they do come in, their disease may have progressed and will need more care.”

Keyala Hill, a program manager of the Flexible Housing Pool at the Center for Housing and Health, talked about how stable housing, food assistance and health care work can help people rebuild their lives, sharing stories of clients whose recovery depended on keeping those supports in place. She reminded attendees that “Housing is healthcare. Food is healthcare. Healthcare is healthcare.”

Fred Tsao, Senior Policy Counsel at The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), spoke about how the new eligibility requirements will cut off healthcare coverage to thousands of vulnerable Illinoisans. He explained, “10,000 Illinois refugees and vulnerable people will be losing their health coverage as a result of H.R. 1 and we’re doing our best to fix it at the state level.”

Donald Trump and Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill made the largest health care cuts in history, destabilizing the health care system with more than $1 trillion in cuts from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. These cuts will continue to have disastrous effects on our state with an estimated 400,000 Illinoisans estimated to lose health coverage by 2034. More than 100 nursing homes and hospitals, primarily in rural areas, are at risk of closing and Medicaid cuts are predicted to result in more than 27,000 jobs cut across the state.

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Duckworth Touts New Bipartisan Housing Law While Visiting Modular Home Developer in Chicago

[CHICAGO, IL] — After the landmark bipartisan 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act became law without President Donald Trump’s signature, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today visited a Chicago-based modular home developer to discuss how the new law could help supercharge their work building more homes for Illinoisans. During the Senator’s visit with Inherent Homes, Duckworth discussed how this groundbreaking law will help expand access to loans for modular home construction, providing them with the funding and resources needed to help tackle our nation’s housing crisis and build more affordable homes for the middle class. Photos from the event can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.

“For the first time in 30 years, Congress delivered the biggest bipartisan housing bill to lower costs, build more homes and help more Illinoisans secure the American Dream of homeownership,” Duckworth said. “Modular housing improves quality control, reduces waste, shortens construction timelines, eliminates weather-related delays and meets accessibility requirements that people with disabilities rely on. The cost of housing in the United States is a national crisis, and this law will bring long-overdue relief to the middle class.”

With the median age of first-time homebuyers being at a record-high of 40 years old, and as Illinois faces a dire housing shortage that would require 227,000 homes to be built over the next 5 years to keep up with demand, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help deliver critical relief to middle-class Illinoisans. This law is the biggest bipartisan housing bill in 30 years, and includes 47 total housing supply provisions designed to build more housing and lower costs, and it stops private equity from buying up single family homes that would otherwise be available to middle-class families.

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Ernst, Baldwin Lead Bill to Expand Internet Access in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access in rural America by cutting unnecessary red tape for the small telecommunications providers that keep rural communities connected.

“Reliable broadband is essential for Iowa families, farmers, students, and small businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “I'm proud to partner with Senator Baldwin to cut unnecessary red tape through our bipartisan ACCESS Rural America Act so small, rural broadband providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time connecting rural America.”

“Wisconsinites in every corner of our state depend on reliable, high-speed internet to run their businesses, attend school, manage their farms, and so much more,” said Senator Baldwin. “Unfortunately, burdensome regulations intended for much larger companies are hurting our small broadband providers and limiting their ability to reach more people. My bipartisan bill cuts through that red tape and helps our local providers expand access to high speed, affordable internet for families and businesses across Wisconsin.”

The Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports (ACCESS) Rural America Act would allow eligible rural telecom providers to file streamlined financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reducing costly regulatory burdens. Many of these providers are the only source of broadband, phone, and cable service in their areas, and this commonsense reform will help them focus on expanding reliable service instead of complying with unnecessary paperwork.

The bill is supported by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and Premier Communications in Sioux Center, Iowa.

“Federal Securities and Exchange Commission registration and reporting requirements intended for larger, publicly-traded firms pose significant challenges for, and can impose substantial burdens on, smaller, locally-owned companies with limited resources. NTCA therefore greatly appreciates the leadership of Senators Baldwin and Ernst in introducing the ACCESS Rural America Act, which will help relieve these burdens and enable small providers to focus more on their core mission of deploying and operating advanced broadband networks in rural areas,” said Mike Romano, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.

“On behalf of the northwest Iowa communities we serve, we thank Senator Ernst for her continued leadership on the ACCESS Rural America Act. Without this relief, rural providers like Premier face the prospect of costly, burdensome SEC reporting requirements that were designed for large, publicly traded corporations, not community-based companies like Premier. This legislation lets us keep our focus where it belongs: building, expanding, and upgrading fiber broadband to the families, farms, and small businesses who depend on us. We're grateful for Senator Ernst's persistence on this issue and urge Congress to get it across the finish line,” said Ryan Boone, Chief Executive Officer of Premier Communications in Sioux Center, Iowa.

Read the bill here.

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WATCH: Gallego Grills OMB Director Russ Vought on Abandoning America’s Service Members and Veterans

WASHINGTON – Today, during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) questioned Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Russell Vought on his actions gutting critical support for service members and letting companies off the hook for ripping off veterans.

Senator Gallego grilled Vought about his decision to cancel the CFPB’s 2024 order requiring Navy Federal Credit Union to pay over $95 million for its illegal use of surprise overdraft fees – a payment Navy Federal had already agreed to make.

“Navy Federal Credit Union was caught charging its members millions in surprise overdraft fees. These members are active-duty, veterans, DoD employees, and their families. I was once a young Marine. Every dollar really does matter when you are a young Marine,” said Senator Gallego. “The last CFPB ordered Navy Federal to pay a $15 million penalty and refund more than $80 million back to those service members’ pockets. I think that is a very just outcome. But you tore up that consent order.”

Last year, Senator Gallego led seven of his colleagues in condemning the termination of the consent order.


Gillibrand Commences Statewide Tour Addressing The Rising Cost Of Groceries, Lagging Consumer Confidence

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held press conferences across New York State – including in Latham, Utica, and Riverhead – to address the crushing impact of rising grocery and household goods prices on working families. The push follows a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index report showing headline inflation surged to 4.2%, the sharpest 12-month increase since April 2023.

“Donald Trump’s policies are making basic necessities unaffordable for hardworking New Yorkers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “He promised to tackle rising costs, but instead he’s made everything worse. Prices on groceries, gas, and essentials have skyrocketed here at home, as he pours taxpayers dollars into a forever war abroad. I will continue to demand accountability and fight for all Americans being crushed by these unsustainable costs.”

The spike in costs is hitting New Yorkers directly at the checkout counter, with the prices of staple items like fruits and vegetables climbing 6.1%, and nonalcoholic beverages up 5.8%. With average wage growth lagging significantly behind, working families are experiencing a severe gap in purchasing power, driving consumer confidence down as basic monthly expenses outpace paychecks.

Gillibrand blamed the rising costs directly on Trump’s ongoing war in Iran. She reiterated her commitment to curbing military actions abroad to shift the focus back to Americans struggling at home.

“The impact of inflation continues to force many of our neighbors to make impossible choices between food, medicine, rent and other basic necessities,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “Across our 23-county New York service area, our network of more than 1,000 food pantries and meal programs is seeing increased demand and longer lines. Families are turning to us simply to make ends meet, and its becoming harder for us to access food. We are proud to stand with Senator Gillibrand and our partners to meet this high community need to our best ability, and to demand action to alleviate strains the charitable food system faces.”

“We were truly honored and grateful to welcome Senator Gillibrand today. Her continued support for our mission means so much to all of us. She shares our heart for ensuring that every family has access to healthy, nutritious food, especially in the food deserts of Utica and Troy. We deeply appreciate her taking the time to visit, listen, and see firsthand the impact that compassionate partnerships can have on our community,” said Pastor Mike Servello, CEO, Compassion Coalition. “Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for standing with us as we work together to bring hope, dignity, and healthy food to thousands of our neighbors. We are grateful for your friendship and your commitment to the people of New York.”

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