Hirono, Chu Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Block Trump Administration’s So-Called “Public Charge” Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduces the Protect American Values Act, legislation that would prevent federal funds from being used to implement, administer, enforce, or otherwise carry out the Trump Administration’s finalized “public charge” rule. Scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026, the rule would make it more difficult for immigrants who rely on certain government benefits to obtain green cards or adjust their immigration status.

“By removing any guidance for what qualifies as ‘public charge’ the Trump Regime’s rule creates fear and prevents immigrants and their families from accessing services they need—even if they are still entitled to them. In making the pathway to attaining a green card more confusing, the anti-immigrant ideology of this regime is abundantly clear,” said Senator Hirono. “The Protecting American Values Act ensures that American tax dollars cannot be used for promoting the anti-American principles the Trump Regime is attempting to implement.

“Donald Trump is once again weaponizing our immigration system against families who are simply trying to build better lives in America,” said Representative Chu. “His revived ‘Public Charge’ rule is even more expansive and harmful than the version from his first term, when it was ultimately struck down in court. Unlike the previous rule, this finalized policy does not even identify which benefits will be considered in a public charge test, giving Trump’s immigration officers sweeping discretion to deny green card applications based on subjective judgement instead of clear legal standards. We know exactly what the result will be. Millions of immigrants and mixed-status families will be forced to choose between putting food on the table, getting health care, keeping a roof over their heads, or protecting their future in America. And when families are driven away from health care, nutrition assistance, and other basic services they are legally entitled to, every community pays the price through worse health outcomes, greater strain on providers, and a weaker economy. It is cruel, it is arbitrary, and it is fundamentally un-American. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Protect American Values Act with Senator Hirono to ensure not a single federal dollar can be used to implement this shameful policy.”

The Trump Administration’s finalized rule rescinds the Biden Administration’s 2022 reinstatement of the longstanding public charge policy, which made clear that the use of non-cash public benefits—including SNAP, Medicaid, and housing assistance—could not be considered when making public charge determinations. The public charge test is intended to determine whether an individual is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support and use that as grounds for denying admission to the United States or adjustment of lawful permanent resident status.

This new rule’s open-ended approach will have a massive chilling effect on the lawful use of benefits by legal permanent residents and even U.S. citizens. As noncitizens do not know which public benefits could result in a green card denial, many will likely avoid using any means-tested public benefits despite their eligibility. Furthermore, because this new rule removes the bright-line limitation on adjudicators considering benefit use by the immigrants’ family members, the new rule discourages the use of public benefits by U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents in mixed-status families. While the Trump Administration claims this rule would result in reduced government spending, much of this saving will likely come from reduced benefits usage from U.S. citizens and children.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the Protecting American Values Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

“Since the beginning of his second term, President Trump has normalized cruel immigration policies and stoked fear across immigrant communities,” said Senator Bennet. “This rule isn’t about securing our borders or more efficient spending, its purpose is to punish immigrants who only seek to make a better life for themselves and their families. The Protect American Values Act sends a clear message that, as a nation, we will continue to stand up for our communities and fight this Administration’s inhumane efforts.”

“It’s already law that most noncitizens are not eligible for public benefits. Yet the Trump-Vance Administration, hellbent on terrorizing immigrants, is now trying to hurt their U.S. citizen children and family members by allowing low-level adjudicators to weaponize those citizens’ use of any public benefits against their noncitizen families when they apply for green cards,” said Senator Kaine. “We don’t have to imagine the negative consequences this policy will have on the health and well-being of our communities, because when President Trump previously instituted a similar policy, it led to widespread avoidance of medical care and other important programs, including among U.S. citizen children. I urge my colleagues to join us in stopping this horrible move in its tracks.”

“Trump’s ‘public charge’ rule is a yet another cruel, un-American assault on immigrants and their families,” said Senator Duckworth. “As the daughter of an immigrant who relied on food stamps to survive, I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing back on this heartless rule. Nobody should have to choose between receiving citizenship or going hungry.”

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

###


Hirono, Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Proposed Forest Research and Development Facility Closures, Demand Transparency

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), led 16 Senate Democratic colleagues in urging U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to provide Congress with a full breakdown of the Service’s decision to close up to 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) Facilities, including the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) in Hilo, Hawaii. Despite multiple inquiries from both the Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. Forest Service has still failed to provide Congress with a comprehensive accounting of the framework used to evaluate facilities slotted for closure. In a letter to Chief Schultz, the senators demanded the Administration provide them with the information Congress has been requesting for the past several months.

“Since announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility,” wrote the senators. “Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing ‘operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees’ and proximate facilities – without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.”

Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” to help researchers, governments, and communities alike better understand their surrounding natural environment. The 57 Forest Service Research and Development sites that are expected to close span 31 states and each perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated. In their letter the Senators highlighted IPIF, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but a region in the Pacific covering an area larger than the Continental United States, as well as the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee, both of which conduct crucial wildfire research and forecasting for the Pacific Northwest region which is currently experiencing a record wildfire season. As the only research facilities of their kind in the regions they serve, the Senators raised alarms about the consequences of their closure.

“We are very concerned that missing from the list of considerations are factors such as current benefits of research services provided to surrounding communities, what research services would be lost with facility closures, estimate of travel expenses resulting from facility closures, estimate on the number of staff unwilling or unable to relocate or travel an additional distance as a result of closing a facility, the replacement costs of each facility, etc.,” the senators continued.

The senators concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of consulting with local communities and governments when analyzing sites for closure, raising alarms that such community collaboration has not, to their knowledge, occurred.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

To read the full letter, click here or below:

Dear Chief Schultz:

We write to request a detailed breakdown of all criteria and factors driving the decision to potentially close the 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development Facilities announced on March 31, 2026. Spanning 31 states, these facilities perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated – nor can it be terminated without jeopardizing long-term environmental and economic priorities.

Despite repeated inquiries from both the House and Senate, the U.S. Forest Service has failed to provide a transparent, detailed accounting of the analytical framework used to evaluate these facilities. Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing ‘operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees’ and proximate facilities – without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.

The establishment of many of these facilities took decades of thoughtful work by numerous experts and stakeholders. They were designed to serve a specific purpose and fill a critical gap in forestry needs within their geographic region. For example, the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry facility in Hawaii took roughly 60 years to be realized and serves the islanded forestry needs of the entire Pacific Region. The next closest U.S. Forest Service-owned office space is in California. Similarly, the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee conduct crucial wildfire research and forecasting for the Pacific Northwest region. Closing both of those facilities in Washington State will leave numerous communities throughout that entire region vulnerable to increasing wildfire threats. In fact, according to reporting, 20 of the 57 facilities being considered for closure conduct important wildfire prevention research.

Since announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility. We are very concerned that missing from the list of considerations are factors such as current benefits of research services provided to surrounding communities, what research services would be lost with facility closures, estimate of travel expenses resulting from facility closures, estimate on the number of staff unwilling or unable to relocate or travel an additional distance as a result of closing a facility, the replacement costs of each facility, etc.

Decisions as significant as closing 57 facilities across 31 states must include consultation with local communities and governments. To the best of our knowledge, these consultations have not occurred. Indeed, community outcry has been so great that the Forest Service was forced to walk back their initial March 31 announcement that these facilities would close and instead announced that these facilities are being analyzed for closure.

To help us and impacted communities all across the nation better understand what factors you are utilizing to determine whether to close these facilities, please avail your staff for a briefing on, or provide in writing, the complete list of criteria that you are using for each of the 57 facilities, a list of local stakeholders that you are consulting with on each of these determinations, and a timeline for which you expect to make a determination for each facility no later than August 19, 2026.

Sincerely,

###


Hoeven Statement After Farm Bill Markup

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026 or Farm Bill 2.0, legislation to support and provide long-term certainty for the nation’s agriculture producers. The legislation includes over 100 bipartisan bills, as well as a compromise proposal offered by Chairman John Boozman to authorize the year-round sale of E15. Despite the bipartisan nature of the bill, Senate Democrats voted against committee passage of the bill.

“Farm Bill 2.0 is focused on supporting family farms and ranches and providing the tools and resources they need to succeed. The legislation improves the farm safety net, advances ag research and develops better market access for producers,” said Senator Hoeven. “Given the challenges in farm country, our producers need long-term certainty, and this legislation includes more than 100 bipartisan proposals to address real issues facing U.S. producers, including enhancements to the farm safety net, increased access to credit, year-round sale of E15, and many others. We’ll continue working with our colleagues to find a path forward for the Farm Bill.”

Farm Bill 2.0:

Builds on and further strengthens the farm safety net improvements passed as part of the Working Families Tax Cut Act.

Invests in agriculture research.

Expands support for specialty crops.

Supports the development of greater market opportunities for agriculture producers.

Authorizes the year-round sale of E15.

Additionally, the farm bill includes Hoeven-authored provisions including:

The PACE Act– Legislation with Senator Klobuchar to increase Farm Service Agency direct and guaranteed loan limits.

The BINS Act – Adds fertilizer storage and handling infrastructure as eligible facilities under the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, legislation Hoeven authored with Senator Klobuchar.

The SCALE Act – Provides matching grants to support state-led soil health and wildlife habitat programs, like Governor Armstrong’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program.

Prairie Dog Management – Provides greater certainty for grazing permittees by preventing prairie dog colonies from expanding beyond reasonable levels. The provision amends prairie dog management plans for the Dakota Prairie Grasslands to limit prairie dog habitat to no more than 1.5 percent of any single grazing allotment and establish a 1-mile buffer along adjacent state and private lands

MCOOL – Includes an amendment based on Hoeven-sponsored legislation that requires mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef.

BARD Program – Bipartisan measure with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to authorize funding for collaborative agricultural research between the United States and Israel.

Joint Chiefs Program – Reauthorizes the program, which has provided more than $3.2 million for partnerships with private landowners to help improve and restore grasslands in North Dakota. Hoeven introduced the measure with Senator Michael Bennet.

Farm Ownership and Improvement Act – Establishes a pilot program for pre-approval and pre-qualification of FSA Direct Farm Ownership loans, a bipartisan measure introduced with Senator Peter Welch.

Dry Edible Beans Study – Authorizes USDA to study the potential inclusion of dry edible beans as a Title I commodity.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) – Clarifies non-adult cattle weight categories by establishing in statute, payment categories for calves weighing less than 400 pounds and 400 pounds or more.

Fargo-Moorhead Crop Insurance Fix – Protects producers impacted by operation of the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project by excluding affected years from Actual Production History (APH) calculations.

-###-


Husted, GOP colleagues lead effort to reject radical California vehicle standards

“Ohioans shouldn’t be forced to follow California’s lead when it comes to policies that make everyday life more expensive and less convenient.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) in introducing multiple Congressional Review Act resolutions to overturn regulations that limits consumer choice and increases vehicle prices.

Husted is leading a resolution to overturn a Biden administration waiver that allows California to require other states to adopt its Advanced Clean Cars II standards, including stricter greenhouse gas emissions requirements and a phaseout of new gas-powered vehicle sales.

“Ohioans shouldn’t be forced to follow California’s lead when it comes to policies that make everyday life more expensive and less convenient. These resolutions are part of our work to make life more affordable for working families, restore common sense, cut unnecessary red tape and put consumers back in control. I’m proud to support this effort to lower costs and protect consumer choice,” said Husted.

“California’s climate zealots have run roughshod over the rest of the country for too long. Under Governor Newsom, Sacramento has decided it can dictate what Wyoming families drive and what equipment our small businesses use. That ends today. I’m proud to lead this fight to reclaim Congress’s authority and stop California from legislating for the entire nation,” said Lummis.

“Biden’s overregulation and red tape regime cost Nebraskans millions of dollars. They used California policies as a backdoor EV mandate and even tried to control how we cut our grass. I am proud to lead the effort to overturn these restrictions and restore commonsense. I will continue to fight for policies that empower our families, farmers, and ranchers,” said Ricketts.

“California’s burdensome emissions requirements continue to punish American manufacturers, reduce consumer choice, and raise prices for American families. One state should not have the power to set national policy and dictate what products Americans use far beyond its borders. Overturning these climate alarmist rules will not only restore common sense, but also prevent a future administration from attempting to grant similar waivers. I’m proud to lead the Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the EPA-California State Motor Vehicle Control Standards Waiver and join Senators Ricketts, Husted, and Lummis in our effort to help make life more affordable for American families,” said Schmitt.

“Ohio’s franchised auto dealers commend Sen. Husted for introducing this important pro-consumer legislation. California’s unnecessary fuel economy regulations have increased vehicle costs while decreasing vehicle choice. Congress, not an unaccountable California board, is the only body that should set national fuel economy regulations,” said Zach Doran, President, Ohio Auto Dealers Association.

“For over a decade, California has tried to abuse the Clean Air Act waiver process to set national policy that Congress never approved, unilaterally deciding what cars Americans can buy and what equipment they can own in their own garages. These four CRAs, led by Senators Ricketts, Husted, Schmitt, and Lummis, undo that end-run and restore a single national standard set by Congress instead of CARB regulators. We urge the full Senate to pass all four and give American consumers back the final say over the vehicles and equipment they choose. Affordability should be top-of-mind for Congress into the fall,” said Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity.

“Affordability is the number one issue for Latinos and Americans, and it should be top-of-mind issue for Congress. For years, California has leveraged the Clean Air Act waiver process to set burdensome regulations on everything from vehicles, gas-powered equipment, and other products. The four Congressional Review Act resolutions led by Senators Ricketts, Husted, Schmitt, and Lummis restore Congressional oversight of this process. And we urge the Senate to pass all four to give American consumers the flexibility they deserve when purchasing goods,” said Sandra Benitez, Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative.

Husted is also co-leading three additional resolutions that would:

Overturn a waiver allowing California to impose vehicle emissions standards that are stricter than federal requirements, accelerating a nationwide shift toward electric vehicles.

Reverse a rule imposing costly emissions requirements on small off-road engines, protecting small businesses, landscapers and homeowners from being forced to purchase expensive and impractical electric lawn and garden equipment.

Overturn a waiver allowing California to enforce stricter greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, reducing unnecessary costs for manufacturers and helping keep vehicles more affordable for consumers.

These resolutions build on Husted’s work to lower costs for American families. Last year Husted’s Congressional Review Act resolution was signed into law, overturning a Biden-era energy regulation that imposed burdensome energy efficiency standards on a wide range of household and commercial appliances.


Key Senate Committee Passes Bills to Establish Fairlawn ZIP Code
And Rename Three Virginia Post Offices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved legislation to establish a unique ZIP code for Fairlawn, Va., as well as three bills introduced by U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) to rename United States Postal Service (USPS) offices in Loudoun County, Fairfax, and New Kent.

“Giving Fairlawn its own ZIP code will ensure the town and Pulaski County do not unfairly lose out on tax revenue to fund public services, as well as alleviate confusion and stress for its residents. Gerry Connolly, Trevor Brown, and Patricia Paige were three exceptional Virginians who devoted their lives to serving the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We are thrilled to see these bills pass out of committee and urge our colleagues to support this legislation to give Fairlawn its own ZIP code and honor these dedicated public servants.”

The Loudoun County post office, in Sterling, would be designated as the “Firefighter Trevor Brown Post Office Building,” honoring the service of firefighter Trevor Brown – a husband, father of three, and youth soccer and baseball coach who lost his life in the line of duty on February 16, 2024. The USPS facility is located at 46164 Westlake Drive in Sterling, VA.

The Fairfax post office would be designated as the “Congressman Gerald E. ‘Gerry’ Connolly Post Office Building.” The renaming honors the late Congressman Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly, whose decades of service and leadership transformed Northern Virginia and inspired a generation of public servants. The USPS facility is located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, VA.

The New Kent post office would be renamed the “Patricia Paige Post Office” after an Army Reservist who became the first black woman to serve on the New Kent Board of Supervisors. Page was a persistent advocate for the replacement of the former New Kent Post Office due to its aging structure and inability to accommodate residents and postal workers. The USPS facility is located at 12109 New Kent Highway in New Kent, VA.

Last year, Warner and Kaine and Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA-09) introduced bills in the Senate and the House of Representatives to designate a unique ZIP code for Fairlawn, Virginia.

###


Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Stop Illegal Voter Roll Purges Before Election Day

This week, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and 26 of their Democratic colleagues demanded the Trump Administration adhere to the National Voter Registration Act’s (NVRA) “quiet period” that prohibits large-scale voter purges within 90 days of an election, pushing back against the Trump Administration’s ongoing voter suppression efforts.

In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, the senators reminded the Trump Administration to adhere to the law and refrain from supporting, assisting, or coercing states into conducting mass voter purges prior to the November midterm elections.

“We are writing to remind you that any efforts directing states to conduct mass voter purges, including by using the deeply flawed Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to purge voter rolls, would violate the 90 day ‘quiet period’ mandated by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA),” wrote the senators.

The Trump Administration has demanded voter information from all 50 states, losing 20 lawsuits and counting in the process. A separate court has barred the Administration from misusing federal databases in illegal attempts to remove voters from state voter rolls. In July, President Trump and Secretary Mullin escalated these attacks as part of their ongoing efforts to force states to purge voters ahead of the November general election in a presidential speech and subsequent DHS press conference. The letter copies the chief election officers for all 50 states.

The senators warned that federal courts have ruled against attempted voter purges that fail to comply with the NVRA’s “quiet period” by attempting mass voter purges.

“In various lawsuits, federal courts have ruled against states that attempted systemwide voter list removals during the ‘quiet period,’ including those made under the pretext of removing noncitizen voters,” continued the senators. “Outside the 90-day quiet period, voter list maintenance is an important function, but noncitizen voting remains extremely rare.”

The senators reiterated that use of the DHS’ modified SAVE program, already blocked by federal courts for bulk voter list analysis purposes, would be considered illegal activity in the next 90 days, and condemned Mullin’s continued push to advance the program. They also urged the DOJ abandon any efforts to obtain state voter rolls, highlighting the agency has lost every federal court case so far.

“We must re-emphasize that current use of the SAVE program for list maintenance is illegal, and efforts to coerce states to conduct mass voter purges during the ‘quiet period’ are also illegal under the NVRA, despite DOJ arguments to the contrary in recent court filings,” wrote the senators. “The DOJ should also drop its litigation to obtain state voter rolls and its continued threats to prosecute election officials. As you know, DOJ has lost every federal case seeking to obtain states’ unredacted voter lists so far. We remain deeply opposed to the waste of taxpayer funds and attacks on state election officials involved with DOJ’s continued attempts to compel states to hand over unredacted voter rolls.”

The senators requested the agencies provide confirmation that they will comply with the NVRA by August 7th to prevent any voter suppression prior to Election Day.

This letter continues Kelly’s fight to protect free and fair elections from the Trump Administration’s attacks. In April, Kelly introduced the bipartisan Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to block Trump’s unconstitutional executive order targeting mail and absentee ballots. Kelly also demanded that USPS follow the law and not implement that unconstitutional executive order. Alongside Senator Gallego, Kelly demanded an immediate end to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) sham investigation into the 2020 presidential election results in Arizona that is based on debunked conspiracy theories. In June, Kelly introduced the Protect Our Polls Act to stop the president from using military or federal law enforcement to intimidate voters and interfere with elections.

In addition to Kelly and Padilla, the letter was signed by Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR).


Kelly, Gallego Press FAA on Flawed Phoenix Flight Path Plan

Read in ABC15: Arizona senators join the FAA flight path fight

Senators warn proposed changes would expose tens of thousands of additional Phoenix-area residents to additional noise pollution, break past commitments to communities, and repeat mistakes of a decade-long legal battle with the City of Phoenix

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) raised serious concerns with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s proposed Phoenix Area Modernization Project and Draft Environmental Assessment. In a letter to Administrator Bryan Bedford, the senators urged the FAA to publish a revised assessment that addresses issues identified by impacted communities.

The proposed project would update flight procedures for ten Valley airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway. If implemented, the proposed flight-path changes would expose more than 86,000 additional people in the Phoenix area to reportable noise increases, with over 65,000 residents facing increases of 5 decibels or more, despite less disruptive alternatives being available. The City of Phoenix, the City of Mesa, the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, and countless community stakeholders have reached out directly to share concerns directly with the FAA.

“While we share the goals of ensuring a safe and efficient airspace in the Phoenix area, we are concerned that the FAA’s proposed flight procedure changes will have significant adverse effects for neighborhoods, communities, and airports across the Phoenix area,” the senators wrote.

The senators pointed to a nearly decade-long legal fight sparked by similar FAA flight path changes in 2014, which ultimately required the agency to redesign westbound flight paths out of Sky Harbor and eroded community trust in the process.

“Regrettably, rather than learn the lessons from this experience, the FAA’s proposed Phoenix Area Modernization Project fails to address long-standing concerns raised by key regional stakeholders, ignores requirements of the 2017 Court of Appeals ruling in Phoenix v. Huerta, and exposes an additional 86,384 people in North Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Chandler to new and unnecessary noise pollution,” the senators continued.

“We urge the FAA to go further and commit to making meaningful changes to the Phoenix Area Modernization Project to address the serious concerns raised by impacted communities prior to finalizing or implementing any new air traffic procedures,” the senators concluded.


Kelly, Lummis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize America’s Nuclear Fuel Supply

Read in Gila Herald: Sens. Kelly and Lummis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Domestic Nuclear Fuel Supply

MORE American Fuel Act modernizes the federal approval process to safely expand domestic uranium enrichment while preserving environmental review and public safeguards

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Modernizing Outdated Regulations to Expand American Fuel (MORE American Fuel) Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)’s licensing process for uranium enrichment facilities. The bill safely streamlines domestic nuclear fuel production licensing to strengthen American energy independence, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and create high-quality jobs while preserving rigorous safety standards, environmental protections, and public transparency.

“Nuclear power is one of the most reliable sources of electricity, and we shouldn’t depend on foreign countries for the fuel that keeps our reactors running,” said Kelly. “By modernizing outdated regulations, we can strengthen our energy security, create good-paying jobs, and maintain the strong safety and environmental protections Americans expect.”

“Building a foundation for domestic uranium enrichment is crucial for Wyoming’s job and energy security,” said Lummis. “As the Russian uranium ban looms, there is no better time for the United States to build its own enrichment capacity than right now. This legislation is clear: streamline the construction of these facilities, protect American energy dominance and jobs in our states, and secure the next generation’s fleet of baseload power.”

In May, as Ranking Member of the Senate EPW Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety, Kelly led a bipartisan hearing examining a package of nuclear modernization bills, including the proposal that became the MORE American Fuel Act. During the hearing, Kelly emphasized that growing electricity demand will require faster deployment of reliable nuclear power, but that permitting reform must preserve the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s independence, rigorous safety standards, environmental protections, and meaningful public participation.

Background:

Nuclear power provides approximately 18 percent of U.S. electricity generation and is expected to play an increasingly important role in meeting growing electricity demand. Yet in 2024, U.S. nuclear operators imported roughly 80 percent of their enriched uranium from foreign suppliers, including about 20 percent from Russia. As Russian uranium imports are phased out beginning in 2028, expanding domestic enrichment capacity is increasingly important to strengthen America’s energy security and supply chains.

The NRC’s licensing framework for uranium enrichment facilities is more burdensome than the process used for other fuel cycle facilities, creating unnecessary delays and costs without improving safety. The MORE American Fuel Act modernizes that process while preserving the NRC’s independent authority and maintaining environmental review and opportunities for public participation.

The MORE American Fuel Act would:

Allow applicants to begin construction of uranium enrichment facilities after the NRC dockets an application, at the applicant’s own risk and subject to all applicable laws.

Preserve public participation by maintaining the right to request a hearing on operating licenses while eliminating unnecessary mandatory hearings when no party seeks to participate.

Require advance written notification to state, local, and Tribal governments before pre-license construction begins.

Maintain environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act before any uranium may be enriched or stored on-site.

Preserve the NRC’s full authority to review, approve, deny, condition, inspect, and oversee uranium enrichment facilities.

The MORE American Fuel Act builds on Kelly’s bipartisan work to strengthen America’s nuclear industry while protecting public health, the environment, and Tribal communities. He also authored the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act, which passed the Senate unanimously to support the cleanup of abandoned uranium mines on Tribal lands, and championed the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which created new tools to restore contaminated sites. Together, these measures help address the toxic legacy of old uranium and hardrock mines by advancing cleanup on Tribal lands, restoring contaminated sites, and protecting nearby communities. Kelly has also introduced the bipartisan Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act to modernize nuclear deployment, reduce construction costs, and strengthen the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. Collectively, these efforts advance a cleaner, safer, and more secure nuclear energy future.

See what industry, energy, labor, and policy leaders are saying about the MORE American Fuel Act:

“Nuclear energy can play an important role in meeting rising energy demand, and updated uranium enrichment regulations can help unlock the next generation of nuclear reactors in the U.S. and support American competitiveness. This bill will help modernize the licensing of uranium enrichment facilities and reduce barriers to new domestic enrichment capacity, which will catalyze investment without sidestepping public engagement or environmental reviews. By creating pathways for accelerated construction and eliminating requirements for outdated and cumbersome regulatory processes, this bill supports new enrichment capacity that is vital to deploying new nuclear reactors,” said Patrick White, Advanced Nuclear Technology and Regulation Expert at Clean Air Task Force.

“Third Way applauds Senators Kelly and Lummis for introducing the MORE American Fuel Act of 2026. This bill continues important bipartisan work to secure the nuclear fuel supply chain for America’s nuclear revival. Importantly, it updates an outdated licensing process for enrichment facilities, bringing it in line with modern fuel cycle facilities, and ensures the NRC remains empowered to uphold high safety standards,” said Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for Climate and Energy at Third Way.

“Reliable access to nuclear fuel is a critical national security priority,” said ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell. “This bill builds on Congress’ efforts and investments to rebuild the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain by removing unnecessary regulatory bottlenecks that delay construction while maintaining the NRC’s licensing and safety standards. This legislation allows America to build enrichment capacity sooner, and reduce dependence on geopolitical adversaries.”

“The United States lacks the domestic uranium enrichment capacity needed to support significant growth in nuclear energy. Expanding that capacity is essential to enabling American nuclear deployment and strengthening energy security. The MORE American Fuel Act of 2026 takes an important step toward that goal by allowing developers to begin construction at their own risk once the NRC has docketed an application, removing a sequencing barrier that adds time and cost without improving safety. This approach allows construction and licensing to proceed in parallel without prejudging or limiting the NRC’s final licensing decision. The bill appropriately preserves the NRC’s full authority over the operating license while maintaining public participation and advance notice for surrounding communities. The Breakthrough Institute supports this meaningful bipartisan improvement to the enrichment licensing framework and commends Senator Kelly and Senator Lummis for their leadership,” said Dr. Adam Stein, Director of Nuclear Energy Innovation at The Breakthrough Institute.

“A reliable nuclear fuel supply chain is critical for the long-term success of nuclear energy, which is why Congress, DOE, and industry are working to reduce our reliance on foreign suppliers and build the domestic infrastructure required to supply the nation’s nuclear fuel needs. The MORE American Fuel Act of 2026, if enacted into law, would accelerate efforts to increase domestic uranium enrichment capacity. It would provide a more efficient regulatory pathway for new enrichment facilities. NIA welcomes the MORE American Fuel Act as a meaningful step toward improving the NRC licensing framework for future enrichment facilities,” said Judi Greenwald, President and CEO of Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA).

“NEI supports the MORE American Fuel Act of 2026. By aligning the licensing process for uranium enrichment facilities with other nuclear fuel cycle facilities, this bipartisan legislation would reduce unnecessary project delays and support the timely expansion of domestic enrichment capacity which is essential to strengthening America’s energy security,” said Jack Britt, Sr. Director, Fuel at Nuclear Energy Institute.

“General Matter applauds Senators Kelly and Lummis for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation,” said Scott Nolan, Founder and CEO of General Matter. “By providing regulatory clarity while maintaining the NRC’s rigorous oversight, this commonsense revision will help restore American leadership in uranium enrichment, strengthen the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain, and reinforce our national and energy security.”

“Strengthening America’s energy security through a robust nuclear renaissance requires a strong and diversified made-in-the-USA nuclear fuel supply. Orano’s ongoing development of the Project IKE uranium enrichment facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, represents the potential supply of nearly 30% of the nation’s current needs—about the same amount that the U.S. currently imports from Russia. The MORE American Fuel Act of 2026 supports the thoughtful and timely consideration of uranium enrichment facility license applications, while increasing project development efficiencies and enabling accelerated timelines for completion. We applaud Senator Mark Kelly’s leadership developing this legislation and his proactive efforts to achieve expanded nuclear fuel production in tandem with the launch of new reactors and generation capacity.” said Jean-Luc Palayer, CEO, Orano USA.


Senators Kim and Hagerty Lead Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Protect American AI Technology from Foreign Attacks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance and Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), along with Senate Banking Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), introduced the Blocking Large-Scale Adversarial Distillation Efforts (BLADE) Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill to deter malign foreign actors from stealing the proprietary capabilities of America’s frontier AI companies.

“The BLADE Act safeguards both our competitive edge against China and our national security at the same time. As we continue to set the global standard for innovation and unlock new opportunity through AI, it’s critical we have these tools to deter direct attacks on U.S. AI models and maintain as large a lead as possible over our competitors and adversaries,” said Senator Kim.

“As the United States must remain at the forefront of competitiveness in artificial intelligence, we cannot allow our adversaries to steal the intellectual property of America’s top AI companies and thereby threaten U.S. national security and economic security,” said Senator Hagerty. “The BLADE Act will expose and punish foreign entities that conduct hostile distillation campaigns against our frontier AI companies. Our nation must counter malign actors who seek to subvert our nation’s leadership and innovation in artificial intelligence.”

Recent news reports have detailed the large-scale use of “model extraction attacks” by Chinese entities to distill the unique competitive advantages of America’s top AI models. Such foreign model extraction attacks—which typically circumvent technical controls, use fraudulent or unauthorized credentials, and violate terms of use in order to harvest proprietary capabilities from U.S. models without the owner’s permission—evade U.S. export controls and threaten U.S. economic security and national security.

To deter unauthorized and illicit foreign model extraction attacks, the bipartisan BLADE Act would direct the Executive Branch to identify and publicly expose foreign entities behind these malign activities, coordinate with industry to improve detection, and authorize the imposition of Commerce Department export controls and Treasury Department financial sanctions against these foreign entities.

“As America’s AI technologies become more advanced, we face new threats from China and other foreign adversaries trying to reproduce them,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “We cannot allow the Chinese Communist Party to steal our companies’ hard work and innovation. America can and will remain dominant in the race to develop cutting-edge AI technologies.”

“From startups in South Carolina to companies across the country, American innovators are building the technologies that will shape the future, and the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign adversaries should not be allowed to steal that work. Industrial-scale distillation attacks are unacceptable, and the BLADE Act gives the Commerce Department the tools to expose and punish bad actors targeting American AI models, protect our national security, and keep America ahead in the global AI race. I’m proud to join Senators Hagerty and Kim in defending American ingenuity and holding our adversaries accountable,” said Senator Scott.

The BLADE Act builds on Senator Kim’s continued work to safeguard American global competitiveness and national security. In April, Senator Kim co-led the introduction of the bipartisan MATCH Act to modernize U.S. export controls and ensure adversaries cannot buy “chokepoint” semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) technology from the United States or our partners that they cannot build themselves. He also recently introduced the bipartisan Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) Penalty Increase Act to strengthen penalties for individuals and companies that violate U.S. export control laws. Learn more about Senator Kim’s work to advance a resilience-focused foreign policy agenda here.

###


Lankford, Murray Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations Neighboring Military Installations

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Patty Murray (D-WA) recently introduced new legislation to make Tribal governments eligible to apply for grants under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP). Currently, Tribal governments are ineligible to apply for funding under DCIP’s grant authority, despite their role in supporting military installations and defense communities nationwide.

“Oklahoma is home to 39 Tribal Nations, and many of them live and work alongside the men and women who serve at our military installations. When a Tribe is doing work that benefits a military base or post, whether that is roads, utilities, or emergency response, the Tribe should have the same opportunity to apply for federal infrastructure grants as any other local government. This bill is a simple, common-sense fix that recognizes the role Tribes already play in our military readiness,” said Lankford.

“From Joint Base Lewis-McChord to Fairchild Air Force Base and everywhere in between Tribal Nations—like Yakama, Suquamish, and many more—do critical work to support military installations in Washington state and throughout the country,” said Murray. “That’s why this legislation is an important step to expand eligibility to DCIP grants. Tribes play a key role in our military readiness—they should be eligible for these funds just like any other community would be.”

Historically, DCIP provides grants to state and local governments for off-base infrastructure that supports military installations. These investments strengthen military readiness and benefit servicemembers and their families by improving transportation, schools, utilities, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure.

Tribal Nations that neighbor military bases are often already doing this work to support critical infrastructure projects that support military communities. This bill would amend the current language to include Tribal governments as eligible, “state and local,” entities to apply for DCIP grants. Reps. Emily Randall (D-WA-06) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) lead companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The full bill text is available HERE.

###


Luján, Heinrich, Leger Fernández Introduce Legislation to Protect Chama Watershed from Uranium Mining

Coalition of Local Leaders, Advocates, and Lawmakers Back Luján Push to Protect the Chama Watershed and Surrounding Communities in Northern New Mexico

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, introduced the Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act. The legislation would permanently withdraw the federal lands of the Rio Chama Watershed in Northern New Mexico from all forms of location, entry, and patent under the mining laws.

The Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act responds directly to a proposal by the Canadian-based uranium company, Gamma Resources Ltd. to conduct exploratory uranium drilling in the Carson National Forest near Canjilon — the first step in the company’s publicly stated plan to extract uranium from a four-mile stretch of the Chama Basin. The bill would prevent new mining claims across the watershed, protecting the headwaters that sustain acequia communities, Tribal Nations, land grant communities, ranchers, and downstream water users throughout the Rio Grande system and ensuring these waters are never put at risk for the benefit of a speculative foreign mining venture.

“The communities of the Chama Valley – acequia farmers, Land Grant communities, Tribal members, ranchers, and rural families – have cared for their land and water for generations,” said Senator Luján. “These cherished lands and waters must be protected for future generations. I will not stand by and allow a foreign mining company to threaten the communities of the Chama Valley and disregard the respect these communities deserve. That is why I’m leading this legislation to permanently withdraw the Chama Watershed from mineral development. I remain committed to protecting the communities and waters of Northern New Mexico, and this legislation will do just that for generations to come.”

“We will not allow a foreign mining company to threaten the Chama Watershed with radioactive uranium waste. That is unacceptable,” said Senator Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Our Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act sends a clear message: Back off. The Chama Watershed belongs to the acequia parciantes, Tribal communities, ranchers, and rural families who care for and depend on this landscape and its water — not a foreign mining company looking to exploit it for profit.”

“New Mexicans know the true cost of uranium mining,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “Across our state, abandoned uranium mines have poisoned our land, threatened our water, and harmed generations of families. Before anyone talks about opening another uranium mine, we should finish cleaning up the mess that was left behind. The Chama watershed is too precious to sell off to a foreign corporation. At a time when every drop of clean water matters, we should protect the rivers that sustain our communities—not open the door for a foreign mining corporation to profit from our public lands. The Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act protects our water, our people, and our future.”

Senators Luján and Heinrich and Representative Leger Fernández have been fighting to protect communities in Northern New Mexico and the Chama Watershed from uranium mining and mineral development.

In June Senator Luján questioned Tom Schultz, Chief of the Forest Service, regarding the proposal to conduct uranium mining within the Carson National Forest by the Canadian-based uranium company, Gamma Resources Ltd. During the exchange, Senator Luján pressed Chief Tom Schultz on Gamma Resources Ltd. and emphasized his commitment to protect communities in Northern New Mexico and the Chama Watershed from uranium mining and mineral development in the region.

In May, Senator Luján convened local, state, and Tribal officials, community members, ranchers, farmers, acequia members and Land Grant Members to hear their concerns regarding the uranium drilling and mineral development proposal in the region. Senator Luján also toured the area that is being proposed for uranium drilling and mineral development in the region.

In April, Senators Luján and Heinrich and Representative Leger Fernández wrote to Carson National Forest Supervisor James Duran expressing strong opposition to a proposal to conduct uranium drilling within the Carson National Forest.

Supporting quotes for the Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act can be found here.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

The boundary map of the withdrawal area can be found here.

###


Luján, Murray, Advocates Sound the Alarm on Trump’s Latest Attack on Head Start, Vow to Save Head Start

Earlier This Week, Luján Introduced Legislation to Support and Strengthen New Mexico’s Early Childhood Education Workforce

*** WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE, DOWNLOAD HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), one of two Head Start graduates to serve in the U.S. Senate, joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and advocates for a virtual press conference in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued today by the Department of Health and Human Services that guts Head Start by shredding basic standards that keep kids safe and advance their education. The rule removes most of Head Start’s 133 pages of requirements for math and literacy curriculums, class sizes, medical screenings, home visits and more.

“I know the value of Head Start, it got me to the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Luján. “Since President Trump took office, he and his administration have made it harder and harder for young children to get an early education. Now, he is moving forward with a proposed rule to gut Head Start and strip basic education, health, and safety standards our kids rely on. That is why I joined Senator Murray and advocates today and will continue to fight to protect Head Start.”

“Your child’s safety should not depend on their zip code. That has been the entire point of Head Start since 1965. If they wanted to serve more kids, they could ask Congress for more funding. I’d write that bill this afternoon. Instead, they’re saying they might be able to serve more children by promising each child less. Nobody should pretend this came out of nowhere. President Trump has all but declared war on Head Start,” said Senator Murray. “This rule is not final. There is a public comment period. I want parents to weigh in. I want teachers to weigh in. Because I have seen what happens when enough ordinary people refuse to let something get ripped away from them. And on my end: I will press administration officials when they come before Congress. I will sound the alarm as loudly as I possibly can. I will carry this fight into every negotiation I walk into. And Congress just funded Head Start at an increase, on a bipartisan basis, so let me be clear: Congress funds Head Start to be Head Start. Trump is coming after America’s kids. That is so unacceptable. This isn’t partisan. This is a program red and blue states rely on. Parents, teachers, and communities across America need to speak up and speak out—together we will beat this rule and save Head Start.”

Head Start currently serves over 750,000 kids nationwide, and the program has served more than 40 million children and their families nationwide since its inception in 1965. There are over 17,000 Head Start centers nationwide and these centers are particularly important in serving rural communities with fewer options for care.

Throughout his second term, President Trump has gutted the offices that keep Head Start centers and child care programs across the country running. Since taking office, the Trump administration has fired 40 to 50% of the staff at the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care. In April of 2025, Trump continued to hollow out HHS, by shuttering five of the 10 regional offices for both Office of Child Care and Office of Head Start, which served 22 states and five territories. President Trump also illegally impounded funding provided by Congress for Head Start programs across America, in violation of the Impoundment Control Act (ICA).

Senator Luján has long fought to protect and defend Head Start. Senator Luján has led efforts to reverse the mass firings at Head Start, demanded action and answers regarding the disruption of Head Start programs, and pressed Trump administration nominees on cuts to Head Start.

###


Luján: Republican Farm Bill Fails to Meet the Needs of New Mexico Families and Farmers

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued the following statement after voting against advancing the Republican Farm Bill in committee:

“The Farm Bill must meet the needs of families and farmers in New Mexico and across America. This Republican bill fails to do so. We need a Farm Bill that addresses devastating cuts to SNAP and delays the cost shift to states while delivering the support families, farmers, and ranchers deserve.

“Unfortunately, during today’s markup, my Republican colleagues rejected efforts to strengthen the Farm Bill, including my CHILE Act to strengthen emergency assistance and provide much-needed aid to New Mexico’s chile, pecan, and other specialty crop growers.

“Farmers, ranchers, and families across the country are hurting. This is our opportunity to support families, strengthen rural America, and ensure our producers have the tools they need to succeed. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to advance a bipartisan Farm Bill that delivers for New Mexico and communities across the country.”

###


Lummis, GOP Colleagues Lead Charge Against California Air Resources Board to Protect Consumer Choice

Washington D.C. — U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Jon Husted (R-OH) today introduced four joint resolutions under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), each disapproving a separate Environmental Protection Agency waiver that has allowed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to impose its regulatory agenda far beyond California’s borders.

Together, the four resolutions target CARB’s small off-road engine (SORE) mandate, the Advanced Clean Cars I program, the 2013 Advanced Clean Car Program waiver, and the 2009 waiver that first allowed California to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.

“California’s climate zealots have run roughshod over the rest of the country for too long,” said Senator Lummis. “Under Governor Newsom, Sacramento has decided it can dictate what Wyoming families drive and what equipment our small businesses use. That ends today. I’m proud to lead this fight to reclaim Congress’s authority and stop California from legislating for the entire nation.”

“California’s burdensome emissions requirements continue to punish American manufacturers, reduce consumer choice, and raise prices for American families,” said Senator Schmitt. “One state should not have the power to set national policy and dictate what products Americans use far beyond its borders. Overturning these climate alarmist rules will not only restore common sense, but also prevent a future administration from attempting to grant similar waivers. I’m proud to lead the Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the EPA-California State Motor Vehicle Control Standards Waiver and join Senators Ricketts, Husted, and Lummis in our effort to help make life more affordable for American families.”

“Biden’s overregulation and red tape regime cost Nebraskans millions of dollars,” said Senator Ricketts. “They used California policies as a backdoor EV mandate and even tried to control how we cut our grass. I am proud to lead the effort to overturn these restrictions and restore commonsense. I will continue to fight for policies that empower our families, farmers, and ranchers.”

“Ohioans shouldn’t be forced to follow California’s lead when it comes to policies that make everyday life more expensive and less convenient,” said Senator Husted. “These resolutions are part of our work to make life more affordable for working families, restore common sense, cut unnecessary red tape and put consumers back in control. I’m proud to support this effort to lower costs and protect consumer choice.”

Endorsements

“For over a decade, California has tried to abuse the Clean Air Act waiver process to set national policy that Congress never approved, unilaterally deciding what cars Americans can buy and what equipment they can own in their own garages. These four CRAs, led by Senators Ricketts, Husted, Schmitt, and Lummis, undo that end-run and restore a single national standard set by Congress instead of CARB regulators. We urge the full Senate to pass all four and give American consumers back the final say over the vehicles and equipment they choose. Affordability should be top-of-mind for Congress into the fall.” – Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity

“Affordability is the number one issue for Latinos and Americans, and it should be top-of-mind issue for Congress. For years, California has leveraged the Clean Air Act waiver process to set burdensome regulations on everything from vehicles, gas-powered equipment, and other products. The four Congressional Review Act resolutions led by Senators Ricketts, Husted, Schmitt, and Lummis restore Congressional oversight of this process. And we urge the Senate to pass all four to give American consumers the flexibility they deserve when purchasing goods.” – Sandra Benitez, Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative

Background:

The Clean Air Act gave California a narrow carve-out to seek EPA waivers for emissions rules stricter than federal law — a modest exception meant to address the state’s unique smog problem in the 1970s. California has since hijacked that carve-out, weaponizing its market share to force manufacturers nationwide to build to Sacramento’s rules rather than maintain separate production lines. An unelected state board now dictates national policy that Congress never approved, and most Americans never voted for.

Under Governor Newsom, CARB has abandoned any pretense of addressing local air quality and turned the waiver process into a backdoor for imposing a radical climate agenda on the entire country — banning the gas-powered cars, trucks, and equipment that American families and small businesses rely on every day, without a single vote in Congress.

These four resolutions build on the precedent Congress set last year, when lawmakers used the CRA to strike down three other California power grabs — Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and the Omnibus NOx Rule. It’s time to finish the job and end California’s hijacking of national policy for good.

Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) CRA: California has increasingly used its Clean Air Act waiver authority to adopt regulations with effects extending beyond the state’s borders. This CRA would overturn EPA’s waiver for California’s Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) rule, reversing the state’s phaseout of gas-powered small engines. As a result, products such as chainsaws, lawn mowers, and power washers would no longer be required to transition to zero-emission technology.

Click here for text.

California State Motor Vehicle Control Standards CRA: In 2009, the Obama EPA granted California a Clean Air Act waiver allowing the state to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vehicles as pollutants California may regulate, creating a pathway for California’s standards to influence national vehicle regulations without new legislation from Congress. That waiver underpinned several subsequent federal vehicle emissions regulations, including those addressed in other CRAs. This resolution would disapprove the 2009 waiver and prohibit EPA from issuing substantially similar waivers in the future.

Click here for text.

Advanced Clean Cars I (ACC I) CRA: This EPA rule allows California to impose vehicle emissions requirements stricter than federal standards for passenger vehicles through model year 2025. This has resulted in a push towards electric vehicles across the nation.

Click here for text.

ACC I Reconsideration CRA: In 2022, the Biden EPA reinstated California’s Clean Air Act waiver for its Advanced Clean Cars (ACC I) program after the Trump administration had revoked it, restoring the state’s authority to enforce its greenhouse gas emissions and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales requirements for model years 2017–2025. This resolution would disapprove the 2022 EPA rule reinstating the ACC I waiver.

Click here for text.

###


Markey Blasts Trump Administration for Ending Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status

Washington (August 6, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after a lower court officially confirmed the end of Haiti Temporary Protected Status (TPS), following the Supreme Court’s June ruling greenlighting the Trump administration’s cruel termination. Senators Markey and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), along with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), have been fighting to pass legislation to extend Haiti TPS protections through 2028. That legislation passed the House of Representatives in April but was blocked by Republicans in the Senate when Senators Markey and Blunt Rochester forced a vote on the bill two weeks ago.

“The official termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti is a moral failure,” said Senator Markey. “Our own government has determined that it is unsafe for U.S. citizens to travel to Haiti, so why would it be safe for Haitians to return? This is the latest cruel and harmful move by the Trump administration.

“TPS was enacted to provide safe harbor to individuals who cannot safely return to their countries due to armed conflict, political unrest, natural disasters, or other conditions. Haiti’s TPS designation should remain in place given the challenges still facing Haiti today. Massachusetts and our entire country have greatly benefited from Haitian TPS holders’ contributions—they are teachers, nurses, construction workers, home health aides, and business owners. The end of Haiti TPS will separate families who wish for nothing more than safety and will hurt local communities across the nation.

“I have partnered with Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester to introduce our bill, S.4814, to extend TPS protections for Haitians. I will continue to fight to pass this critical legislation. And as the Trump administration continues to attack all TPS holders, I will fight to extend these same protections to TPS holders from Syria, Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, Sudan, and every other community that has been forced to seek safety in the United States. Today, and every day, I stand with our immigrant community.”

Senator Markey has worked consistently to protect TPS for Haiti and support the Haitian community in Massachusetts amid the Trump administration’s attacks on TPS and Haitians.

On June 25, after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration’s termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria in the consolidated case, Mullin v. Doe, Senator Markey, alongside Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) held a press conference outside the Court denouncing the decision.

In April 2026, Senator Markey, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, and Congresswoman Pressley led 26 Senators and 157 Representatives in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in Miot v. Trump, a consolidated case challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of Haiti and Syria TPS.

In September 2025, Senator Markey led an amicus brief in Miot v. Trump, the companion case to Mullin v. Doe, when the case was before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In February 2026, Senator Markey applauded the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s decision to pause the Trump administration’s termination of TPS for Haiti, which was set to expire on February 3.

In March, Senator Markey welcomed the D.C. Circuit’s ruling blocking the Trump administration from immediately terminating TPS for Haiti.

In January, Senator Markey and Rep. Pressley held a field hearing at Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan to highlight the importance of extending TPS for Haiti. The lawmakers heard from panels of individuals, advocates, and community leaders impacted by the Trump administration’s decision to end Haiti TPS.

###


Markey Continues Pressure on Boston ICE Field Office to Answer for Continued New England Deportation Regime

Letter to ICE (PDF) | ICE Response to December 2025 Letter (PDF)

Washington (August 6, 2026) - Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) again demanded answers from David Wesling, Acting Field Office Director for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston Field Office, after receiving an incomplete response from ICE to his December 17, 2025, letter that was sent following the Senator’s inspection of the Burlington field office.

In the new letter released today, Senator Markey again asked ICE to address his concerns over the inhumane conditions, overcrowding, prolonged detention, lack of adequate access to medical care and legal counsel, and other poor treatment of detainees at the Burlington ICE field office facility. He highlighted how ICE’s response effectively acknowledged severe overcrowding at the Burlington field office and conceded violations of its own prolonged-detention policies. Senator Markey further inquired about ICE’s arrest of minors and enforcement activity at sensitive locations, use of excessive force, officer misconduct, and insufficient vetting of new hires.

In today’s letter, Senator Markey wrote, “ICE claimed that a ‘statistical reporting hold’ blocked it from identifying the number of individuals processed at the field office in 2025 who committed violent crimes. Meanwhile, public reporting indicates that only 2% of individuals arrested during an enforcement surge in Massachusetts in September 2025 had violent convictions. And the data ICE provided for 2026 arrests appears misleading, as ICE noted that it deems illegal entry sufficient grounds for arrest and that an individual need not commit any additional crimes—violent or not—to be subject to removal. Moreover, ICE’s response suggests that out of all the individuals it arrested with criminal convictions, a mere 15 percent were convicted of an offense ICE labeled as “serious.” It is imperative that ICE admit the extent of the Trump administration’s falsehoods by turning over the rest of the requested arrest data.”

Senator Markey continued, “I am also seeking information related to ICE’s harmful, nontransparent operation of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (“ISAP”)—an alternative to detention program—in the Commonwealth. ICE’s website contains very little information about the program or the nongovernment contractors involved, despite perturbing incidents at these facilities that demand transparency into these contractors’ activities. Massachusetts residents deserve to know who is operating ISAP and what guardrails are in place to prevent nongovernment contractors from violating their rights.”

Senator Markey requested answers by August 19, 2026, to questions including:

What is the nature of the conditions that individuals processed at the ICE field office in Burlington are held under?

What are the field office’s policies and procedures regarding the medical care of detainees?

What are the field office’s policies and procedures related to detainee access to interpretive services, their support systems, and legal counsel?

What is the nature of the arrests of individuals processed at the field office?

Since January 2025, how many minors (i.e., individuals under the age of eighteen) has ICE arrested in the Boston area of responsibility?

On July 28, Senator Markey led 11 colleagues in writing to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, DHS Secretary Mullin, and Defense Secretary Hegseth demanding to know whether the Trump administration plans to deploy armed federal law enforcement officers at polling sites during the November 2026 elections, an escalation of the Administration’s assault on free and fair elections that is clearly meant to intimidate voters.

On July 17, Senator Markey conducted an official unscheduled oversight visit at the ICE field office in Scarborough, Maine, where he demanded answers about the recent, nearby shooting and killing of 26-year-old Johan Sebastián Guerrero by an ICE officer.

On July 16, Senator Markey and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to the ICE Boston Field Office in Burlington, Massachusetts, demanding a full, transparent, and independent accounting of this killing, given the office’s direct jurisdiction over enforcement operations in Maine and New England.

In January, Senator Markey wrote to ICE Boston Acting Field Office Director David Wesling, demanding answers about conditions at the ICE field office in Burlington, Massachusetts, and the conduct of ICE agents in the Commonwealth. This letter followed Senator Markey’s previous December letter to Acting Director Wesling, raising concerns about the cruel conditions at the Burlington field office.

###


Markey Issues Urgent Call for Support for E-Rate as Trump FCC Reviews Program

Washington (August 6, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and author of the E-Rate program, this week urged local leaders, librarians, library associations, teachers, school committee members, administrators, and advocates to submit comments in support of the E-Rate program. The Trump Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted in June to open a review of E-Rate. At a virtual roundtable, Senator Markey warned that weakening the bedrock educational technology program would threaten Internet access for millions of students, teachers, schools, and libraries across the country.

“The Trump administration is putting the success of the E-Rate program at risk, threatening to blow a hole in schools’ budgets and diverting limited local dollars from teachers, classroom programs, books, and other essential services,” said Senator Markey.

“It’s unacceptable. But we can and will fight back. The FCC will be accepting comments for the next few months, and they need to hear what E-Rate means in your school, library, and community. Submit comments. Share the numbers. Tell the stories. And ask everyone you know — students, parents, teachers, library patrons — to share their stories too. I will continue the fight in the Senate to save this vital program.”

“Together, we built E-Rate. And together, we will protect it.”

In June, Senator Markey voiced strong concerns after the FCC voted to open a review of the E-Rate program. In April, the FCC approved a new rule creating additional administrative burdens for schools and libraries to access funds from the E-Rate program. In September 2025, the FCC repealed its rule allowing schools and libraries to use their E-Rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators, setting back years of success in ensuring students and educators have access to the internet at home.

The E-Rate program has invested more than $69 billion to connect schools and libraries to the internet across the country. Massachusetts schools and libraries have received more than $950 million from the E-Rate program and another $97 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a $7 billion program that Senator Markey created within the American Rescue Plan to provide devices and connectivity for students and educators at home.

###


Markey, Jayapal Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Health Facilities from Climate Disaster

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (August 6, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and author of the Green New Deal for Health, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) today reintroduced the Granting Resources for Eliminating Emissions Now in (GREEN) Hospitals Act. The legislation would provide $105 billion to revive a New Deal-era program to modernize and weatherize health facilities in order to reduce emissions, protect public health, and ensure that more Americans have access to healthcare before, during, and after climate disasters and extreme weather events. Already this year, the U.S. has experienced 12 climate disasters, costing more than a billion dollars and putting healthcare facilities, patients, and workers at risk.

“Climate change is a public health emergency. Power outages, floods, fires, and extreme temperatures threaten hospitals’ ability to care for patients in a disaster. Meanwhile, outdated infrastructure contributes to the pollution causing this climate emergency,” said Senator Markey. “Through the GREEN Hospitals Act, we will ensure our country’s hospitals are prepared for the future. This bill will help hospitals become more resilient, lower energy costs, reduce pollution, protect workers, and ensure patients can continue to receive care when they need it the most. We cannot build a healthier future without a health system that recognizes that climate justice is health justice.”

“As wildfires, storms, and severe weather conditions become more common because of climate change, our hospitals need to be ready and resilient,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “During public health and climate emergencies, Americans depend on reliable healthcare infrastructure that can withstand tough conditions. This legislation gives our hospitals the funding and resources they need to be prepared for extreme climate events, expand their ability to provide essential healthcare, and improve overall sustainability for the future.”

As the climate crisis brings stronger storms, hotter heat waves, and more severe wildfires to communities, the United States’ aging medical infrastructure is increasingly at risk. Specifically, the GREEN Hospitals Act would invest $100 billion to revive the New Deal’s Hill-Burton grant program to fund capital projects that increase capacity to provide essential healthcare and update facilities to become more resilient to climate disasters and public health crises. In exchange for Hill-Burton funding, medical facilities would commit to a community service obligation to provide a specific amount of free or below-cost health care services to qualified individuals unable to pay. The legislation would also provide $5 billion for planning grants to support pre-development planning needs, such as community assessments and engineering evaluations, so sustainability and resiliency projects for medical facilities meet the needs of patients and the surrounding communities.

The legislation is endorsed by Boston Medical Center.

###


Senator Markey Statement on the Worsening Medical Condition of Robert Gilman

Washington (August 6, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today released the following statement on the detention of Massachusetts resident and former Marine Robert Gilman by the Russian government.

“My office has been closely monitoring the detention of Robert Gilman–a Massachusetts resident and former Marine who has been held in Russia on questionable charges for 1,662 days–nearly four and a half years.

“We have been made aware by Robert’s family and advocates working on his behalf that approximately 48 days ago, he was diagnosed with a dissociative stupor–a condition where he is non-responsive and unable to interact or eat. He is essentially catatonic and has also suffered a severe case of pneumonia.

“I am very worried that, if urgent action is not taken to release Robert so he can receive urgent medical care in the United States, his condition could become permanent, or he could die in Russian custody. I implore the United States and Russian governments to find a solution before we find ourselves in a situation that will further complicate an already difficult relationship.”

“I am praying for Robert and his family today.”

###


Senator Marshall: Democrats Are Blocking the Farm Bill

Senator Marshall Joins RFD-TV’s Market Day Report

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report with Suzanne Alexander to discuss the Democrats’ blocking of the Farm Bill out of committee, failing to ensure stability for farms and rural communities through year-round E15, internet expansion, farmer mental health, and more across the country because they refused to hold states accountable for SNAP error rates.

Click HERE to download the full video.

On the Democrats blocking the Farm Bill out of committee:

“Yeah, Suzanne. Well, this is horribly disappointing — the Democrats just voted down the Farm Bill on the Senate Ag Committee. You know, I think the shocking part is they walked away from year-round E15, they walked away from five years of certainty when it comes to crop protection programs. So, we raised the reference prices 10% to 20% in the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, and this would have given folks five years of certainty. It raised the loan limits from USDA, it had more high-speed internet for rural America, and infrastructure, and farmer mental health — all those things. And they walked away from it because of an error rate issue when it comes to SNAP programs. And you know, happy to dive into that, but that’s really what their only hangup is. This bill is full of bipartisan priorities, but they’re hung up on the fact that we want states to be accountable — that if they have a high error rate on administering SNAP, then the states would have to pay more, or some fair share, of those SNAP benefits. So it’s just horrible news for the American farmer and rancher.”

“You got it. So the Working Families Tax Cuts gave all the states a year and a half to get their error rates fixed. Bargaining with the Democrats, we offered them another year — so really two and a half years to get their error rates down. But they’re wanting another year on top of that. And nowhere in their solutions do they say, ‘Why can’t we work on states to get their error rates down?’ I’m just afraid if it wasn’t this, it would be something else. But what I’m calling on is all your listeners to reach out to your Democrat senators and ask them why they walked away from year-round E15. Why did they walk away from five years of certainty for crop protection? In this moment of need — with input costs where they are right now — why did their Democrat senator walk away from this bill?”

On accountability for SNAP fraud and how it is holding up year-round E15:

“You know, absolutely. Matter of fact, you have leaders: you know Senator Klobuchar, Senator Smith, Senator Durbin — those are all people from states that grow a little bit of corn. So they’ve led the fight for this E15. Look, you know one of my year-long goals here was to get this. You asked me my priorities for the Farm Bill: it’s E15, E15, and E15. And we got it. So they walked away from that — that means about 500 million bushels of corn that would have been consumed if we would go to year-round E15. But they walked away from it on this SNAP program. And just to back up, you know, you think about a Farm Bill — we’re spending $100 billion a year on food programs and about $30 billion on farm programs. Look, I don’t want any child to go home hungry. We get free breakfast at school, free lunches, free dinners, we send them home with food, WIC programs, food banks, senior citizen meals — all these programs on top of the SNAP program. But the SNAP program is the one that has the higher error rates. I hate to use the word fraud — I think maybe it’s just incompetence in many cases that the states can’t run the program. But again, they’re walking away from this entire Farm Bill over asking for another year on top of the two and a half years we’ve already given them to get their error rates down.”

“Well, I do, I do think so. I think when all the senators go home for this break in August, they’ve got to look the farmers in rural America in the eyes and let the Democrats explain to the farmers back home why they voted against this Farm Bill. Why did they vote against the increased loan funding that people need to keep things going? Their reference prices are up 10 to 20 percent on reference prices. My goodness, that’s going to be the difference between farms folding and farms being able to plant next year’s crops going forward. So our hope is when these senators go home that the barnyard will show up and say, ‘Hey, what’s going on here? Come back in September and get this thing across the finish line.’”

On why SNAP fraud is an issue:

“Yeah, well, Suzanne, you know for sure we’ve been trying to figure out that for the last year. And we thought by giving them a year extension, that would do the trick, and that’s why I’m concerned — well, if we solve this problem, are they going to have some other imaginary problem? And this is the politics right now. My friends across the aisle have shut the government down three times; they won’t fund the military now, they’re at least so far unwilling to extend the government funding beyond September 30th. So I’m afraid of all the places, the Ag Committee was the last place for bipartisanship. And I guarantee you the relationships across the aisle are still there — Amy Klobuchar, the ranking member of that committee for the Democrats —running for governor, by the way, in Minnesota. Maybe the farmers of Minnesota are going to reach out there and say, ‘Hey, you need to take care of this Farm Bill.’ So we’ve offered a huge compromise by giving an extra year extension — I don’t think it’s unreasonable for states to have error rates under 6%. And if they don’t, then they’re going to have to pay a little bit more proportion of the food stamps for their programs for their states.”

On passing the Farm Bill before the end of the year to provide relief for farmers:

“Well, look, this Farm Bill doesn’t solve everything, but it’s certainly a step back in the right direction. You think about the year-round E15: that’s about the equivalent of maybe a fourth or a fifth of all the corn that we export. You know, it’d be like having another trade partner that’s going to increase our exports by, say, 25 percent. So that alone just starts that whole ball rolling as well. There’s stuff in here for fertilizers by helping have more domestic fertilizers, so we’re not dependent upon foreign nations as well. The loan limits — especially for young starting farmers — there’s increased limits for those. We raise the amount of CRP — the amount of conservation money in this goes up, I think, about 30% for the different conservation programs, whether it’s EQIP or the other ones as well. So there’s so much good in here; I’ve never been prouder of the underlying bill. So, you know, I’m going to go home and lick my wounds, but we’ll get back up tomorrow and keep at it, just like my farmers are going to wake up tomorrow morning and they’re going to keep at it as well.”

“Well, it’s always been crop insurance, right? That’s always been first, second, and third to a Farm Bill, and we added $65 billion to the crop insurance in the Working Families Tax Cuts bill. But then beyond that, it’s the Title I funding, the ARC and the PLC programs. So we raise the reference prices — and they’re going to be there for this fall — but the question is long-term what that’s going to take care of. But beyond the Farm Bill, I think really, Suzanne, what people are talking to me back home — and you said this a second ago — it’s input costs, it’s fertilizers, it’s pesticides, it’s seeds, those types of things. Diesel — I mean, I can’t run away from diesel. And I’ll take responsibility from the standpoint that certainly the Strait of Hormuz is impacting this — and this is why no one wants this war to be over sooner than President Trump and myself do. We understand that the Strait being — it’s not totally closed, but it’s impacting the price of diesel as well as fertilizer. On the other hand, look, we don’t want Iran to have nuclear weapons either. So I feel like we’re very close to getting that resolved. So we took care of the crop insurance, we took care of the reference prices, now we got to work on those other input costs.”

###


Senator Marshall Introduces Legislation Prioritizing Research on Tick-Borne Livestock Diseases

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) and Senator Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) in introducing the Emerging Tick-Borne Livestock Disease Research Prioritization Act, which designates tick-borne livestock disease in statute as a high-priority research area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The bill authorizes the USDA to make competitive grants within pre-existing research programs aimed at developing vaccines, therapeutics, and treatments for tick-borne livestock diseases. The legislation specifically targets diseases associated with the Asian Longhorned Tick, several of which lack an approved vaccine or treatment.

“Kansas ranchers already have enough challenges without worrying about another invasive pest threatening their herds. As the Asian Longhorn Tick continues to spread, we need to stay ahead of it—not play catch-up,” said Senator Marshall. “This bill makes sure USDA treats this growing threat like the priority it is by directing more research toward protecting our cattle, our producers, and our food supply.”

“Missouri is one of the nation’s leaders in livestock production, and our farmers and ranchers work too hard to have their livelihoods threatened by emerging tick-borne diseases. Invasive species like the Asian Longhorned Tick pose a growing risk to our livestock industry and the families who depend on it. By elevating the need for critical research into tick-borne livestock disease, we’re helping ensure producers have the tools they need to protect their herds, strengthen our food supply, and keep America’s agriculture industry competitive. I’ll keep working with Missouri’s farm families to protect for the Show-Me State’s number one economic driver,” said Senator Schmitt.

Click here for the full text of the legislation.

###