Heinrich Demands DOE Preserve All Documents and Records Regarding the Illegal Cancellation of Energy Project Grants in Democratic-Led States

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright demanding the Department preserve all documents and records of the Trump administration's cancellation of more than $7.5 billion of energy project grants in Democratic-led states.

“I write to demand that you preserve all records and communications related to the administration’s cancellation of more than $7.5 billion of energy project grants,” Heinrich began.

“Following reports that the Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it terminated more than $7.5 billion of energy grants due to political motivations, I wrote to you along with 38 senators demanding the administration restore funding to those projects that were illegally canceled,” Heinrich continued. “Today, I write to request that you preserve all documents, communications, and records related to the termination of those energy projects. As you know, under the law, you are required to comply with records preservation requirements.”

In his letter, Heinrich demands that the DOE preserve all forms of communications (including, but not limited to, e-mails, electronic documents, and data) since January 20, 2025, related to the termination of the above-mentioned energy projects. The letter also requests that all former DOE employees who may have access to such records are immediately identified and notified.

Heinrich is leading the effort to secure accountability and transparency into DOE’s illegal cancellation of energy project grants. Last week, following the Trump administration's admission that it canceled projects in states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election, Heinrich led 38 Senators in demanding that funding be restored.

In October 2025, following the news that the Trump administration illegally canceled clean energy project grants, Heinrich led 36 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to DOE Secretary Chris Wright and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, demanding that they restore the projects’ funding.

Read the full text of the letter here and below:

Secretary Wright:

I write to demand that you preserve all records and communications related to the administration’s cancellation of more than $7.5 billion of energy project grants.

Following reports that the Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it terminated more than $7.5 billion of energy grants due to political motivations, I wrote to you along with 38 senators demanding the administration restore funding to those projects that were illegally canceled. Today, I write to request that you preserve all documents, communications, and records related to the termination of those energy projects. As you know, under the law, you are required to comply with records preservation requirements.

To ensure that the records are produced to the Committee in potential future document requests without undue delay, I request that you do the following immediately:

Preserve all records and communications, not limited to e-mail, electronic documents, and data, created since January 20, 2025, related to the termination of the above-mentioned energy projects; and

Identify and immediately notify any former employees, including contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and any other individuals or entities who may have access to such records. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this request.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this request.


Heinrich Introduces Legislation Ending Outdated Tax Breaks for Oil and Gas Companies to Drill Overseas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the American Energy Independence & Tax Fairness Act, legislation to repeal outdated tax breaks that allow major oil and gas companies to reduce their U.S. tax obligations for overseas oil and gas production. The legislation would ensure the tax code no longer rewards companies for investing abroad instead of here at home, while strengthening American energy security and requiring some of the world’s most profitable corporations to pay their fair share.

This legislation comes as the largest oil and gas companies continue to rake in record profits while American families feel the squeeze from rising energy costs. President Trump’s reckless and costly war has driven up global oil prices and increased pressure on consumers at the pump, while outdated tax breaks continue to give some of the world’s most profitable companies special treatment for overseas oil and gas production.

Recent analysis by the FACT Coalition found that from 2017 to 2025, major U.S. oil companies paid $135 billion in foreign taxes while only paying $29 billion in U.S. taxes. At the same time, the oil and gas industry continues to report record profits. The disparity is driven by U.S. tax provisions that benefit overseas extraction. During this quarter, Exxon and Chevron alone reported more than $26 billion in combined net income, with Exxon doubling its profits and Chevron reporting one of its most profitable quarters ever.

"Oil majors shouldn’t get a tax break for going overseas to produce energy, but that’s essentially what our current tax policy does. That’s where my American Energy Independence & Tax Fairness Act comes in. It will help put American energy development on an even playing field with energy development that’s happening in the Middle East or anywhere else,” said Heinrich. “At a time when oil majors are making billions in profits per quarter, they can afford to pay their fair share.”

Heinrich's American Energy Independence & Tax Fairness Act would:

Eliminate preferential tax treatment for foreign oil and gas extraction income, ensuring overseas fossil fuels profits are treated like other foreign business income under the U.S. tax code;

Close loopholes that allow companies to generate additional foreign tax credits from shale oil and tar sands development;

Reform foreign tax credit rules to prevent oil and gas companies from misclassifying payments to foreign governments as taxes rather than royalties in order to reduce their U.S. tax liability.

For decades, the U.S. tax code included incentives to encourage overseas oil and gas production. Today, the United States is the world’s leading oil and gas producer and a net exporter of fossil fuels. And these outdated tax provisions provide special treatment to some of the world’s most profitable companies. By closing these loopholes, the legislation will strengthen American energy security, support domestic job creation, and help accelerate the transition to a more reliable and affordable energy future.

A one-page factsheet of the bill is here.

A section-by-section summary of the bill is here.

The full text of the bill is here.

As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich has repeatedly pressed the Trump administration to reverse policies that raise energy costs for working families, and hold corporations accountable, through hearings, oversight letters, and direct engagement with the Trump administration officials:

In June, Heinrich hosted a roundtable and discussed how the Trump administration’s policies, including the war with Iran, have driven up energy costs for families, consumers, communities, and small businesses.

In May, Heinrich hosted a roundtable with local small business owners, Roadrunner Food Bank, and Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team, Corp. (WESST) to discuss how President Trump’s global tariffs and war with Iran are making gas, groceries, and everyday essentials more expensive for New Mexico families and businesses.

Heinrich also wrote to the CEOs of the six biggest U.S. airlines seeking information on the current economic conditions of the airline industry as President Trump’s war in Iran continues, requesting that the airlines detail their plan to address rising jet fuel costs, and whether companies will cap or reduce executive compensation to help offset rising costs.

For more information on Heinrich’s actions to hold President Trump accountable for his illegal, costly, and reckless war on Iran, click here.

For more information on Heinrich’s work to lower energy costs for New Mexico families, click here.

For more information on Heinrich’s work to combat President Trump’s tariffs and lower the cost of groceries and everyday essentials, click here.


Heinrich, Luján Announce Committee Passage of Legislation to Transfer a Portion of the Former Albuquerque Indian School Campus to Pueblos for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced the Committee passage of their Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2026, legislation that places portions of the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and buildings, currently managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.

The legislation is led by Heinrich and cosponsored by Luján in the Senate and led by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and cosponsored by U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) in the House.

“Our legislation will help the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center expand its reach, create more economic opportunity, foster entrepreneurship, and support local small businesses,” said Heinrich. “Those are important wins for the 19 Pueblos and everyone who calls New Mexico home. Now that my bill has passed out of Committee, I will continue working to get it across the finish line and signed into law.”

“Expanding economic development and cultural education opportunities for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is critical for the 19 New Mexico Pueblos it serves. That is why I partnered with Senator Heinrich to introduce the Albuquerque Indian School Act, legislation that will help the center grow, support job creation, and generate new revenue for New Mexico’s Pueblos and our communities,”said Luján, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I'm proud to see this legislation advance out of the Indian Affairs Committee, a vital step toward getting this bill across the finish line. I will continue working to ensure it passes the Senate and is signed into law.”

The Albuquerque Indian School Act now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2026 builds upon a longstanding, bipartisan effort to transfer the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding buildings to the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico for the development and growth of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a nationally recognized museum and cultural institution owned and operated by the Pueblos, dedicated to both preserving and perpetuating pueblo history, culture, and art, while facilitating their future economic growth and long-term economic sustainability.

The text of the bill is here.

Earlier this summer, Heinrich testified in support of the bill and urged his colleagues to advance the legislation out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Watch the full video of Heinrich’s testimony here.

In 2015, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Delegation successfully passed into law the Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act, legislation to place four tracts of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School into trust for the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, consolidating the last parcels of the old school property into the Albuquerque Indian School campus. This followed several prior bipartisan efforts, from 1969 to 2008, led by former U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), and former U.S. Representative Manuel Luján Jr. (R-N.M.).

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Heinrich Votes to Sanction Russia

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after securing Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to impose sanctions on Russian President Valdimir Putin, senior Russian political and military leaders, oligarchs, state-owned enterprises, and foreign companies for supporting and financing Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“New Mexicans stand with the Ukrainian people,” said Heinrich. “With this bill, we are sending a clear message to Vladimir Putin: You reap what you sow. End this war, work to achieve lasting peace with Ukraine, or face the consequences. The United States must continue to stand with Ukraine as it defends its freedom, its people, and the democratic values we share.”

The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

Specifically, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act deprives Vladimir Putin of the revenue financing Russia’s war against Ukraine by imposing mandatory sanctions on Russia’s political leadership, financial institutions, energy sector, and sanctions evasion networks, while using narrowly scoped tariffs to pressure the world’s largest purchasers of Russian energy to reduce their dependence on Moscow.

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

The full text of the bill is here.

Heinrich has staunchly supported the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom against Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked, and unlawful invasion.

Heinrich met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the U.S. Capitol last week and released a statement reaffirming his strong support for Ukraine.

In April 2025, Heinrich introduced legislation to impose primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich secured a provision in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Defense Appropriations Bill to include $300 million in funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

In February 2024, Heinrich passed an aid package that would strengthen America’s national security by delivering aid to Ukraine.

In January 2024, Heinrich met with Ukrainian families living in Farmington, New Mexico, who fled their country following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Heinrich also has an extensive history of standing up to Russia and Russian interference in the United States, detailed here.

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Heinrich, Wyden Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Pathways to Health Careers & Address Healthcare Provider Shortages

WASHINGTON — This National Health Center Week, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, reintroduced their Pathways to Health Careers Act, legislation to create pathways to in-demand, high-quality healthcare careers and help address provider shortages in New Mexico, Oregon, and nationwide.

In New Mexico, 32 out of 33 counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for primary care, behavioral health, and/or dental health. New Mexico needs at least an additional 5,000 healthcare workers to address the current provider shortage.

The Pathways to Health Careers Act aims to address this shortage by restarting and modernizing the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program, which has a proven track record of preparing workers for jobs in the healthcare industry by providing career coaching, job placement, and a range of other support services.

“The healthcare provider shortage in New Mexico isn’t theoretical. It’s an everyday reality. New Mexicans are being forced to either endure months-long appointment wait times or, if they can, paying the high costs of traveling out of state or going to the ER to get the health care they need, when they need it. Families in our state deserve better,” said Heinrich. “Our Pathways to Health Careers Act helps address the healthcare provider shortage by strengthening the pipeline to high-quality healthcare careers, to get more New Mexicans the care they need to live healthy lives.”

“In June 2026 alone, nearly 900 health care workers across 11 states were laid off due to Republicans’ shameful budget cuts,” said Wyden. “At a time when communities are facing health care workforce shortages, it has never been more important to invest in the next generation of health professionals. This legislation would provide families in Oregon and nationwide with the resources they need — including job training, childcare, transportation and more — to begin well-paying careers in health care.”

Companion legislation in the House is led by U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Senior Democratic Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee.

“Restoring and strengthening the Health Profession Opportunity Grant program will connect a new generation of workers with career pathways to in-demand health care jobs while addressing barriers to employment that too often prevent the full potential of our work force - especially women and people of color - from being realized,” said Davis.“Before its Republican-forced expiration, this proven initiative expanded economic opportunity for working families across America, which I saw first-hand in the work by Chicago State University. I am proud to lead this bill to create jobs and expand access to care with Senator Martin Heinrich, and I thank Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal and my Democratic colleagues for their continued support of this critical program.”

Created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program stands out among other job training approaches because of its mix of career coaching, job placement, childcare, and post-employment support services included. The program aims to increase the number of qualified health professionals in rural, Tribal, and urban areas experiencing health professional shortages. Despite its success, the HPOG program expired in September 2021.

This bill would mandate that New Mexico receives a minimum of two HPOG awards. And further guarantees grant set asides for entities that are an Indian tribe, a Tribal organization, or a Tribal college or university.

The Pathways to Health Careers Act reauthorizes and modernizes the demonstration program by providing $435 million annually through 2031 to expand HPOG programs to every state in the country. The dozens of career pathways available through the HPOG program model include becoming a nurse, an emergency medical technician (EMT), a health information technician, a surgical technician, and beyond. The promising model includes:

A Career Pathway Approach: Apprenticeships, stackable credentials, and ongoing training to support advancement;

Work Supports: Childcare, transportation, stipends, work supplies, uniforms, and application fees; and

Case Management: Goal setting, mentoring and career coaching, education planning, interview coaching, and job placement.

To date, the HPOG program has served over 60,000 participants in 32 programs across 23 states.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Michael Bennet (D-Col0.).

The legislation is endorsed by the University of New Mexico Health System.

“The healthcare workforce shortage is one of the most significant challenges facing our nation's health system. The Pathways to Health Careers Act invests in people who are ready to serve but often face financial and logistical barriers to entering the healthcare workforce. By supporting training alongside services like childcare, transportation and career coaching, this legislation helps build a stronger workforce and expands access to care where it is needed most,” said Michael Richards, MD, MPA, Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System.

A fact sheet of the bill is here.

The full text of the bill is here.

For more information on Heinrich’s work to expand opportunities for New Mexico workers, click here.

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Hickenlooper Welcomes Federal Funding for Colorado School of Mines to Boost American Tech, Mining Workforce

The Colorado School of Mines will reportedly receive more than $32 million for a tech development hub

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement welcoming reports that the Colorado School of Mines will receive $32.7 million in federal funding to support a tech development hub.

“We won’t achieve our clean energy future – nor compete with China – without shoring up our critical minerals supply and developing our workforce.

“Colorado School of Mines is already the beating heart of American innovation and mining education. This investment will help advance American leadership in critical minerals.”

Currently, there are only about 600 students in mining programs in the U.S. compared to China’s more than 12,000 students. Securing U.S. critical mineral supply chains and countering China’s dominance in the industry will require the U.S. to reinvest in our mining workforce.

Hickenlooper has long called for a ‘Project Mercury’ for critical materials, arguing that America needs to take back the reins on critical minerals production in order to effectively address climate change and unlock secure, affordable energy.

Specifically, the federal funding will help level up America’s mining, metallurgical, geological, and mineral workforce.

In the 119th Congress, Hickenlooper has led and co-sponsored multiple other critical minerals related bills, including:

His bipartisan Mining Schools Act of 2025 to bolster America’s declining mining workforce and help secure our clean energy future.

The bipartisan STRATEGIC Minerals Act to foster critical minerals trade with our international allies.

His bipartisan Unearth Innovation Act to establish a DOE program for sustainable critical minerals and recycling research innovation.

His bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program for the Department of Energy to financially support domestic critical material processing projects.

His bipartisan Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Reauthorization Act to fund the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Earth MRI program, which improves our understanding of critical minerals, geothermal potential, and other subsurface resources across the country.

His bipartisan Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act to strengthen U.S. mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities.

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Hirono Presses Hegseth on Critical Munitions Inventory, Raises Alarms About Readiness Impacts

“I write to express my deep and continuing concern regarding the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, pressed U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory, following reports of depleted weapons shortages as a result of the ongoing illegal war in Iran. In a letter to Secretary Hegseth, Senator Hirono raised alarms about the impacts of munitions shortages on the United States military’s overall readiness, demanding an accurate update on the impacts of these shortages.

“A recent Washington Post report details a disturbing confrontation at Camp David last week, where President Trump reportedly expressed frustration over being misled regarding the severity of offensive and defensive weapons shortages in pursuit of this illegal war in Iran. I note what was not said – how the shortages are negatively impacting overall military readiness and our ability to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the President and your own dismissals of the reporting as “NOT TRUE”, your recent $87 billion-dollar supplemental funding request to Congress includes $21 billion alone for “munitions procurement”, highlighting the urgency of this issue,” wrote Senator Hirono.

In her letter, Senator Hirono outlined that even prior to the war in Iran, Congress had expressed concerns over the alarming state of the United States military’s munitions inventory, especially if the United States were to be pulled into a large-scale military conflict with a near peer adversary. She highlighted how the ongoing munitions expenditures in the Middle East at an unsustainable rate could create a strategic vacuum in other theaters, including the Indo-Pacific.

“This leaves the United States unacceptably vulnerable to aggression from near-peer adversaries like China,” she continued.

Senator Hirono demanded that DOD provide prompt and accurate responses, including a classified accounting of munitions stockpile levels prior to the Iran War; an assessment of how critical munitions shortages have affected military options, strike planning, and defense postures during the ongoing conflict; the mitigation strategies at DOD to ensure deterrence is not compromised in the Indo-Pacific; and resources required to replenish and bolster the munitions inventory.

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth,

I write to express my deep and continuing concern regarding the state of the United States military’s critical munitions inventory. Even prior to the war in Iran, senior military leaders, defense analysts, and members of Congress were worried about the alarming state of our inventory, especially if the United States was pulled into a large-scale military conflict with a near-peer adversary. This illegal, five-month war with Iran has only exacerbated these concerns because of the expenditure of hundreds of offensive precision guided missiles and air-defense interceptors, leaving our arsenal dangerously depleted.

A recent Washington Post report details a disturbing confrontation at Camp David last week, where President Trump reportedly expressed frustration over being misled regarding the severity of offensive and defensive weapons shortages in pursuit of this illegal war in Iran. I note what was not said – how the shortages are negatively impacting overall military readiness and our ability to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the President and your own dismissals of the reporting as “NOT TRUE”, your recent $87 billion-dollar supplemental funding request to Congress includes $21 billion alone for “munitions procurement”, highlighting the urgency of this issue.

By expending critical munitions at an unsustainable rate in the Middle East, the Department is creating a severe strategic vacuum in the Indo-Pacific. This leaves the United States unacceptably vulnerable to aggression from near-peer adversaries like China. To fulfill my constitutional oversight responsibilities, I request that the Department provide answers to the following questions no later than August 31, 2026:

A complete, classified accounting of current stockpile levels for all critical munitions, along with an accounting of the stockpile levels prior to the start of the Iran War in February 2026. For purposes of this request, “critical munitions” are defined as the fourteen priority weapons systems identified by the Pentagon’s Munitions Acceleration Council (MAC).

To what extent have critical munitions shortages influenced or restricted military options, strike plans, or defense postures in the ongoing war with Iran?

What specific mitigation strategies is the Department executing to ensure that expenditures in the Middle East do not compromise our deterrence posture and forward-deployed units in the Indo-Pacific?

The MAC is the Department’s primary body established to rapidly scale up critical munitions production. What steps is the MAC currently taking to expand critical munitions procurement, and what additional authorities or actions may Congress consider to help with this process?

Given that manufacturing lead times for critical munitions often span years, what is the realistic timeline for the restoration of inventories to pre-Iran War levels in February 2026? What is the realistic timeline for bolstering the inventory of critical munitions to the level required by U.S. Pacific Command’s operational plan (OPLAN) related to a potential conflict with China over Taiwan?

The cost disparity between expensive U.S. missile interceptors and cheap one-way attack drones has been highlighted in the Iran War, with the cost ratio often exceeding 100 to 1, an unsustainable amount not only for this illegal war, but also potential wars of the future with near-peer competitors. What steps is the Department taking to actively develop and procure cheaper low-cost interceptors and offensive strike missiles in order to address this problem?

I appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and expect a timely and complete response.

Sincerely,

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Hoeven: Senate Passes Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable

WASHINGTON — Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, legislation that was negotiated by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and the White House to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Hoeven joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Senator Darline Graham (R-S.C.) and a bipartisan group of their Senate colleagues in introducing the legislation earlier this month.

Senator Lindsey Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort and secured an agreement with the White House on July 10, just before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025 and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and with the Trump administration.

“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 will strengthen sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin’s aggression, and help advance peace. Lindsey dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and its passage in the Senate is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 imposes primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. These sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, Russian banks and financial institutions and the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy most of the Russian oil and gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. This bill limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Husted-backed Russia sanctions bill passes Senate

“With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Vladimir Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end.”

WASHINGTON – The Senate today passed the Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) backed bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, a bill that would strengthen sanctions on Russia and entities supporting its war in Ukraine.

The bill aims to disrupt Russia’s ability to sustain its war in Ukraine through the export of energy products. It would sanction key sectors of Russia’s war economy, including its shadow fleet—which is used to export oil despite sanctions—and penalize countries like China that help fund the Russian invasion.

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

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 has over 60 cosponsors in the United States Senate.

Background:

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 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, Russian banks and financial institutions and the Russian shadow fleet.

The legislation also directs the president to impose up to 100 percent tariffs the top five importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. It contains a waiver, consistent with other mandatory sanctions legislation, allowing the President to waive sanctions, restrictions or duties upon after certifying to Congress that such a waiver is in the national interest of the United States. The bill also includes an exception for countries that import less than 15 percent of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.


Kaine Statement on Senate Passage of Russia Sanctions Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement after the Senate passed comprehensive Russia sanctions legislation he cosponsored:

“I was in Ukraine last month for the second time since Putin’s brutal full-scale invasion, and it was clear that the Ukrainian people’s resilience and patriotism are unwavering, and they are demonstrating real expertise on the battlefield. At the same time, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin’s war, which his own finance officials have told him he can’t afford. Now is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I’m proud that the Senate took an important step forward today by passing this legislation.”

The bill must next be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.


ICYMI: Kelly Speaks with Arizona Community Health Centers about Protecting Affordable, Accessible Health Care

In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers (AACHC) for a conversation in celebration of National Health Center Week. He discussed the essential role community health centers play in keeping Arizonans healthy in the face of harmful cuts to Medicaid and SNAP included in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Sen. Kelly speaks to members of the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers.

Watch the full conversation here. See key excerpts below:

On why community health centers are more critical than ever after Republicanpassed cuts to Medicaid…

“In the richest country in the world, and at the richest time for this country, hardworking people should be able to take their kids to a doctor, they should be able to get a prescription medication and get preventive care before a manageable health problem becomes a crisis. That’s what community health centers do every day.

“Over the past year and a half, as we work to fight against cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that were included in Donald Trump’s bill—I don’t like calling it the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill—I asked Arizonans to share with me what those cuts would mean to them and their families. I traveled all over the state, and I heard from kids, I heard from parents, and seniors who told me some heartbreaking stories about the impact that these cuts had on them and had on their lives. And I took these stories back to Washington and shared them on the Senate floor and I talked with my Republican and Democratic colleagues about the people I met because I wanted them to understand that this wasn’t about a budget line, it was about real people.

“We put up a pretty good fight, but as everyone knows, my Republican colleagues, they passed these cuts in the biggest tax break for billionaires I’ve ever seen, and this tax break for billionaires were on the backs of hardworking Americans.”

On the impact of Republican cuts on rural hospitals and maternity care…

“I worry about the impact these Medicaid cuts are going to have—not only on community health centers, on hospitals that have specialized services. I’ve heard from hospital CEOs how they might have to get rid of their OB/GYN clinic in a rural area. What are the options that these women have? It’s like drive three hours for delivery, that might work in some cases but not for pregnancies that are not going right.

“Millions of Americans are about to lose their health care safety net and food benefits at the same time. It’s because Donald Trump and Republicans in the House and the Senate wanted to give a big tax cut—70 percent of it goes to millionaires and billionaires. That’s why this happened. They prioritized a handful of rich people over millions of Americans that were having a hard time affording their lives, it’s wrong.”


Kelly, Colleagues Push to Stop Trump from Hiding the True Cost of the Iran War and Dishonoring the Sacrifices of Our Heroes

Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and 16 of their Senate Democratic colleagues introduced the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act, legislation that would stop Donald Trump’s attempt to hide how long his illegal war against Iran has lasted, dishonor the sacrifice of our troops injured and killed in combat, and hide the true cost of his war from the American people.

The bill introduction comes after the Pentagon unprecedentedly recategorized recent casualties suffered in Trump’s Iran war—including four killed and over 200 wounded servicemembers—under a separate category outside Operation Epic Fury in a shameless attempt to downplay the damage done and evade accountability to the American people.

Kelly has been outspoken about the war since it began, criticizing the administration for launching it without a clearly defined strategy or exit plan. In July, Kelly demanded from Pete Hegseth a full and accurate accounting of all servicemembers who were killed, wounded, and injured in support or in connection with Operation Epic Fury.

“Every American who puts on the uniform and serves our country deserves to have their sacrifice recognized and their family deserves every benefit they’ve earned. No administration should be able to hide the true human cost of war by reclassifying casualties or manipulating the record,” said Kelly. “Those killed, wounded, or injured must be counted and honored, and their families and the American people deserve an honest accounting of what happened.”

“I refuse to let Donald Trump dishonor the service of our heroes just because it benefits him politically to lie about the length of this illegal campaign and hide the true cost of his war from the American people,” said Duckworth. “Trump knows his war of choice is unpopular, which is why he’s manipulating casualty records to try and fool the public into believing it’s been less of a disaster. It’s an insult to our fallen heroes, and it could jeopardize the benefits of troops and civilians he continues to put in harm’s way. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve accountability, not a Commander in Chief who plays games with their sacrifices.”

“It is a disgrace that this administration is trying to hide deaths of the men and women who gave their lives serving this country,” said Gallego. “Trump has got us into another forever war that has jacked up gas prices, and instead of being focused on ending it, he is fudging the numbers for good PR. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation so that our servicemembers and their families are never disrespected like this again.”

“It’s outrageous the Administration would try to shortchange our troops and their families from receiving the full benefits that they have earned through service and sacrifice,” said Shaheen. “Because President Trump and Secretary Hegseth started a war they don’t know how to end, they’re trying to obscure the real costs of it—all while service members’ benefits hang in the balance. Our bill would ensure these brave patriots and their families receive the full support that they are due.”

“Time and time again the Trump Administration has contradicted themselves, withheld information, and misled Congress and the American people about the reality of this war,” said Peters. “They are failing the brave men and women who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. I’m proud to support this bill because the American people deserve answers and the roughly 40,000 U.S. servicemembers serving in the region deserve leadership.”

“While the Trump regime claims to support our servicemembers, their actions tell a far more sinister story,” said Hirono. “Instead of honoring the brave servicemembers who are being killed and injured, this regime is obscuring the truth and hiding the real cost of this illegal war—all to evade accountability from the American people. This regime claims to value transparency, and this legislation demands they actually deliver it.”

“We owe our servicemembers a debt that we can never truly repay,” said Van Hollen. “Instead of honoring them, Trump and Secretary Hegseth are manipulating casualty records and jeopardizing the benefits servicemembers and their families are owed for their sacrifices. Trump’s illegal Iran war has been a complete blunder – and we cannot let this Administration harm military families in an attempt to hide from their mistakes. With this legislation, we ensure our men and women in uniform are shown the respect they deserve and that they receive the full honors and benefits that they and their families are owed.”

“Trump’s illegal war with Iran has cost us dearly, and now he’s trying to rewrite history to better serve his agenda,” said Merkley. “I’m holding in my heart the families and loved ones of the American servicemembers killed in Iran and will keep pushing to end Trump’s war of choice.”

“The Trump Administration’s decision to reclassify the deaths of four service members and the injuries of more than 200 is not only dishonest; it is an affront to the service and sacrifice these men and women, and their families, have made,” said Bennet. “Our legislation will stop this administration from obscuring the continuing cost of President Trump’s ongoing war with Iran and, more importantly, will provide confirmation that those who have answered the call to duty and their families will receive the rightful benefits and recognition they are owed.”

“Manipulating casualty records for political purposes is a despicable disservice to brave heroes,” said Blumenthal. “President Trump’s denial of rightful status to four American servicemembers killed during the war in Iran is not only disrespectful – it could also deprive them and their families of benefits and recognition. There is no reason for this abhorrent action other than obfuscating and concealing the true costs of war – and it must be stopped.”

“I join Senator Duckworth’s effort to honor the solemn promise we make to our fallen heroes and servicemembers and make sure they aren’t caught up in the Trump administration’s lies around the Iran War,” said Kim. “We must take steps to ensure political charades never get in the way of the benefits our military and their families deserve and ensure no administration going forward can manipulate service records.”

“Time and again, this Administration has tried to conceal its failures in Iran behind the courage of the brave Americans it placed in harm’s way,” said Alsobrooks. “Now it is attempting to obscure the deaths and injuries of our service members—and that is not only hypocritical, but unconscionable. Our legislation demands accountability. It will restore casualty records, ensure the American people are told the truth about this war, and secure the benefits and honors our military and civilian personnel have earned. We will not allow any Administration to diminish the service, sacrifice, or memory of those who answered our nation’s call.”

“Anyone who steps up to serve our nation and put themselves in harm’s way deserves our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Schatz. “The Trump administration’s attempts to hide the true death toll in the war on Iran and jeopardize hard-earned benefits for troops and civilians is shameful. Our bill will help ensure the integrity of casualty records and protect benefits for those who serve.”

Background:

To ban the Secretary of Defense from hiding the true cost of war, the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act specifically:

Bans Arbitrary, Unjustified Recategorizing of Designated Contingency Operations by prohibiting redesignating an ongoing conflict if the Administration continues to mobilize forces against the same enemy;

Prevents Manipulation of Casualty Records by prohibiting manipulation of casualty records by falsely redesignating a contingency operation;

Restores Casualty Records of Our Fallen and Wounded Heroes in the Iran War by requiring restoration of casualty records for Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026, and notify next-of-kin about the correction;

Bans Cutting Hard-Earned Benefits for Troops and Civilian Personnel by prohibiting the modification of eligibility for deployment-related personnel benefits on the basis of falsely redesignating a contingency operation; and

Restores Benefits to Personnel Supporting Iran War by retroactively restoring all covered benefits entitled to members of the Armed Services and civilian employees who have supported Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026.

In addition to Kelly and Duckworth, the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act is cosponsored by Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), John Fetterman (D-PA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).


Kelly Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Legislation

Today, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly released a statement following the Senate passage of the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen sanctions on Russia and hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. The vote was 86-11. Kelly and more than 60 of his Senate colleagues introduced the legislation last month.

“The fastest way to end Russia’s illegal war is to cut off the money Putin is using to fuel it. Today, Republicans and Democrats came together to pass tougher sanctions that put pressure on Putin and those helping finance his war. This is a critical step securing a lasting peace that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.

“I’ve been to Ukraine four times since this war began and have seen firsthand what’s at stake. This vote demonstrated that the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine and hold Russia accountable. I urge the House of Representatives to pass this bipartisan legislation quickly so we can keep up the pressure and bring this war to an end.”

Background:


Senator Kim Votes to Support Ukraine through New Sanctions on Russia

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) released the following statement after voting yes to increase pressure on Russia with new sanctions:

“I voted yes on this bill to intensify pressure on Russia to end their illegal and immoral war against Ukraine. This is a critical moment as Ukraine has been delivering heavy blows against Russian forces. I have deep concerns about the inclusion of tariffs and fought hard to remove them. Having worked in war zones, I know the complex challenges that arise; I felt this legislation still was important to help Ukraine win this war. This moment demands that we stand with Ukraine and stand up against Putin.”

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Klobuchar, Gillibrand Introduce Bill to Build More Accessible, Affordable Housing

The legislation would increase the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and expand development of accessible housing for seniors and people with disabilities

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced the Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act to strengthen the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to expand the supply of affordable, accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities. U.S. Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“For far too many Americans living with disabilities and older adults with mobility issues, safe housing is out of reach due to a lack of affordable and accessible options,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation would increase the number of new homes that are located in walkable or wheelchair-friendly communities to increase access to housing for all.”

“As our aging population continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in affordable housing units with accessible features,” said Gillibrand. “The VITAL Act would help ensure that affordable housing meets the mobility and accessibility needs of New York seniors and people with disabilities, allowing them to age comfortably in the communities of their choice. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I am proud to lead this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.”

“About 26 percent of people in the United States have a disability, yet less than 6 percent of the national housing supply is designed to be accessible at even a basic level. This bill would change that by expanding low-income housing tax credits to make affordable housing more accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. The need for accessible housing will only continue to grow as America’s senior population grows! I want to thank Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Klobuchar and Gillibrand for partnering on this much-needed bill,” said Evans.

“As we work to increase housing supply and make homes more affordable, we must also build with the needs of our seniors and Americans with disabilities in mind. The VITAL Act uses the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to promote accessible, adaptable homes in communities connected to transportation and essential services. This legislation reflects the kind of housing policy I will always champion—one that strengthens independence, expands opportunity, and helps every person live with dignity,” said Fitzpatrick.

Along with Klobuchar and Gillibrand, the VITAL Act was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The LIHTC is a federal program providing tax credits to developers who build new housing for low-income renters. The VITAL Act would increase state LIHTC allocations, provide an enhanced tax credit for qualifying affordable housing developments that include accessible units for people with disabilities in walkable communities, and incentivize state housing finance agencies to prioritize the development of more accessible housing.

The VITAL Act is endorsed by The Kelsey, LeadingAge, Pathways to Housing PA, TriageCancer, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Liberty Housing Development Corporation, National Council on Independent Living, National Disability Rights Network, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, The Arc of the United States, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Justice in Aging, National Housing Law Project, National Council on Aging, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National NeighborWorks Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, TASH, ANCOR, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, The Amputee Coalition, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, YIMBY Action, Disability Empowerment Center of Lancaster PA, American Foundation of the Blind, America Walks, National Homelessness Law Center, Caring Across Generations, National Association of the Deaf, Community Solutions, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), American Council of the Blind, HDC MidAtlantic, New Disabled South, and Autism Speaks.

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Lankford Defends Age Verification Laws to Protect Children from Explicit Content

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Chair of the Senate Values Action Team, today sent a letter to Pornhub after the company’s July 28 letter urged state lawmakers to reject age verification laws that protect children from online explicit content.

You can read the full text of the letter HERE or below. Learn more in Fox News HERE.

Dear Mr. Friedman,

I write in response to the disgraceful letter Pornhub sent to state lawmakers on July 28th. The letter strongly urged against passage of age verification laws and further revealed the fact that Pornhub has no interest in protecting children.

Pornhub preys on children. It exposes them to horrific sexual content and does nothing to ensure that children are not sexually abused in the content it hosts. Pornhub’s letter suggests that tech companies should be responsible for protecting children from pornography. Lawmakers can and should hold tech companies accountable for the harm they pose to children. But that should not preclude state and federal lawmakers from holding platforms like Pornhub accountable for the harm it causes. Pornhub’s letter fails to say the quiet part out loud: Pornhub would lose customers if children were prohibited from viewing its content.

The American Psychological Association found that the average age of pornography exposure among boys was 13.37 years old with the youngest exposure at 5 years old. 43.5% of men reported that their first exposure was accidental and 17.2% of men reported that their first exposure was forced. Our children, especially young boys, deserve better than this. It should not be controversial that children deserve a childhood that is free from pornography.

Age verification laws are an important piece of making the internet safer for children. It is not the only solution to combat this problem, but it is an important start. Pornhub’s letter argues that age verification laws increase privacy risks for adults. But as you know, many state laws require platforms to delete personal information as soon as the age verification is complete. For example, Oklahoma law prohibits platforms from retaining any information after access is granted and imposes penalties on platforms who do not comply. The Age Verification Providers Association, which represents almost 30 organizations that provide age verification technology, have explained in detail the privacy protections that are built into these systems. These methods even complied with the EU’s stringent privacy requirements and are no more invasive than an in-person age check.

The Supreme Court affirmed in Free Speech Coalition vs. Paxton that these types of laws do not unreasonably burden adults and that the state has a legitimate interest in protecting children from these images. Pornhub’s letter complains that consumers do not want to go through age verification to access its content. But this is a small price to pay to protect children from harmful content.

My colleagues and I are working hard to address the harms to children online. We will not stop until we hold companies like Pornhub accountable. It is our duty to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Parents today face an uphill battle when it comes to protecting their children online. Age verification is one simple step platforms can take to help preserve childhood innocence. This is especially true for platforms that host violent and perverse sexual content. Pornhub should be ashamed of its letter to state lawmakers and ashamed that they do nothing to protect children.

In God We Trust,

[X]

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Lankford Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Strengthen and Protect the Ministry of Military Chaplains

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 (MCMA) to codify the purpose, role, duties, and professional qualifications of military chaplains and to protect chaplains from being forced to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs.

“For our country’s 250-year history, military chaplains have walked alongside our service members through the hardest moments of their lives, offering prayer, counsel, and hope in isolated posts and combat zones alike,” said Lankford. “Chaplains serve because they are called to it. Congress has a responsibility to make sure they can carry out that calling faithfully, without being forced to violate the tenets of their faith and without fear of retaliation for holding to what they believe. This bill honors the men and women who minister to our heroes who defend our nation.”

“Military chaplains shouldn’t have to check their faith at the door when they put on the uniform,” said Cramer. “They play a vital role in supporting the moral and spiritual well-being of our servicemembers, and their ministry and the men and women they serve are strengthened because of their faith. This legislation protects their ability to minister according to their beliefs and ensures those freedoms are always preserved.”

“Military chaplains provide a vital service to the patriots who sacrifice for our country every day. By standardizing a chaplain’s role, this commonsense legislation clarifies their duties and protects chaplains from unfair censorship. Like all Americans, our men and women in uniform have the God-given right to observe their religious beliefs, especially as they put their own lives on the line to defend our nation. Our legislation reinforces those rights,” said Grassley.

“Military chaplains serve a unique and important role in our armed forces, providing spiritual guidance to our men and women in uniform. That is why it is imperative that their deeply held religious beliefs must be protected throughout their time in the military. I’m proud to support this legislation and the faith leaders who serve in our Armed Forces,”said Britt.

Background

Joining Lankford in cosponsoring the legislation are Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Katie Britt (R-AL). The bill has been included in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and is being led on the House side by Rep. Keith Self (R-TX-03).

The bill is also supported by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board, which provides advice and recommendations to Department of War (DOW) officials on matters of religious exercise.

Lankford has a long record of protecting religious liberty in the military. In the Fiscal Year 2018 NDAA, Lankford secured language requiring every branch of the military to implement training for military leaders and service members on federal laws, DOW instructions, and regulations regarding religious liberty and accommodation. That training language was implemented in the Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA. The MCMA builds on that foundation by codifying protections for the chaplains who minister to service members every day.

The Military Chaplains Modernization Act:

Codifies the purpose, role, duties, and professional qualifications of chaplains across the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.

Guarantees that chaplains may conduct worship, provide counseling, teach, deliver sermons, minister, and offer prayer in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs and the tenets of their religious-endorsing organization, free from censorship, undue restriction, or fear of retribution.

Prohibits any member of the Armed Forces from requiring or assigning a chaplain to perform any rite, ritual, ceremony, sermon, speech, task, or action contrary to the chaplain’s sincerely held religious beliefs.

Protects chaplains from retaliation or adverse personnel actions, including denial of promotion, letters of reprimand, and negative entries in the chaplain’s record, for refusing to violate their beliefs.

Establishes that violations are subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Codifies the ranks and roles of the Chief of Chaplains and Deputy Chief of Chaplains as principal advisors to their respective service Secretaries and Chiefs of Staff.

You can download the full bill text HERE and learn more in the Washington Stand HERE.

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Lankford, Lee Introduce the Ballots by Election Day Act to Restore Confidence in Federal Elections

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced the Ballots by Election Day Act to require that all absentee and mail-in ballots in federal elections be received by the time polls close on Election Day.

In Watson v. Republican National Committee, the US Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted up to five days after and held that federal election-day statutes do not set a deadline for ballot receipt. The Ballots by Election Day Act legislatively closes that gap by setting a uniform federal deadline that requires ballots to be in the hands of election officials by the time polls close.

“Election Day should mean Election Day,” said Lankford. “Americans should not have to wait days or weeks while states like California keep counting ballots. The SAVE Act, this bill, and every other effort to secure our elections are about the same thing: making sure the American people can trust the results. If your ballot is going to count, it needs to be in the hands of election officials by the time the polls close.”

“Congress holds the constitutional authority to set the times, places, and manner of federal elections,” said Lee. “States counting late ballots are inviting fraud and sowing doubt in their own election results. Our bill will clarify protocol and restore trust by counting only ballots received before the polls close on election day.”

Background

Currently, states set their own deadlines for receipt of absentee and mail-in ballots in federal elections, with some states accepting ballots for days after Election Day so long as they are postmarked by Election Day. In Watson v. Republican National Committee, the Supreme Court held that federal law does not currently prohibit states from counting late-arriving ballots. The Ballots by Election Day Act would establish a uniform federal deadline for receipt of ballots in federal elections.

The Ballots by Election Day Act:

Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require that absentee and mail-in ballots in federal elections be received by the appropriate election official no later than the time polls close on Election Day.

Prohibits states from counting absentee or mail-in ballots received after polls close on Election Day.

Preserves existing protections for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).

Applies to federal elections held in 2027 and every year thereafter.

Lankford is an original cosponsor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and the SAVE America Act and has voted for the SAVE Act six times on the Senate floor.

You can download the full bill text HERE and can learn more in Fox News HERE.

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Lankford, Shaheen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Sanction Hezbollah and Strengthen Lebanon’s Sovereignty

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act, legislation to support Lebanon’s rule of law and democratic institutions through targeted sanctions, support for expanding the state’s civil authority, and security assistance to help the Lebanese state establish a monopoly of force over its territory, disarm Hezbollah, integrate communities into the state and free Lebanon from Iran’s malign influence.

“For decades, Iran has used Hezbollah to destabilize Lebanon, Israel, and threaten Americans who live in the region, but President Trump has created a real opening for change by bringing Israel and Lebanon to the table for the first direct talks in 30 years,” said Lankford. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act with Senator Shaheen. Our bill imposes tough sanctions on the network financing Hezbollah and provides security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces. A sovereign Lebanon protects Lebanese, Israeli, and American citizens living in the region, and puts real pressure on the terrorists.”

“For the first time in decades, Lebanon has a real chance to reclaim its sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and break free from Iran’s malign influence, but success depends on sustained American support,” said Shaheen. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act with Senator Lankford. It combines tough sanctions on Hezbollah’s enablers with targeted security and recovery assistance as well as congressional oversight. This legislation helps the Lebanese state extend its authority and build toward a peaceful future with its neighbors. A sovereign, stable Lebanon is firmly in America’s interests, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.”

Background

The Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act seizes on the opportunity presented by direct negotiations and the trilateral framework between the United States, Israel, and Lebanon to ensure the disarmament of Hezbollah, integrate Lebanese communities previously reliant on Hezbollah into the Lebanese state, and build toward peaceful relations between Lebanon and Israel.

After years of Iranian proxy influence through Hezbollah, a banking sector crisis and challenges in government formation, Lebanon’s reform-minded government represents the best chance in decades to secure a safe and prosperous future. While the Lebanese Armed Forces, with US support to coordinate with the Israel Defense Forces, have made progress in disarming Hezbollah, Iran’s illicit financing and support of the group remains a significant impediment to completing that effort. Deepening this crisis, an estimated 1.2 million people have been displaced from southern Lebanon, risking another regional crisis.

The Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act would:

Impose sanctions on foreign persons who support Iran’s financing of Hezbollah or obstruct Lebanon’s efforts to disarm the group and reform its financial sector. Sanctions include blocking of property, financial transaction prohibitions and visa ineligibility, with exceptions for humanitarian assistance.

Support stabilization by continuing humanitarian assistance and establishing an incentive fund for recovery of infrastructure and civil services run by the state, as opposed to Hezbollah.

Authorize $200 million annually in security assistance to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, conditioned on demonstrated progress against Hezbollah and with the opportunity to increase to $300 million annually if there is sufficient progress, including Foreign Military Financing and support to interdict weapons, Captagon and other illicit goods that fund the group.

Require recurring oversight, including reporting on Lebanon’s progress in disarming Hezbollah, a strategy for use of stabilization and security funds to provide Lebanese communities with an alternative to Hezbollah, efforts to secure funding from international donors, US efforts to coordinate between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Israel Defense Forces, banking-sector reform and progress toward peaceful relations between Lebanon and Israel.

You can download the full bill text HERE and a one pager of the bill can be found HERE. You can learn more in Bloomberg HERE.

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Lee Cosponsors Ballots by Election Day Act to Restore Confidence in Federal Elections

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) cosponsored the Ballots by Election Day Act with Senator James Lankford (R-OK) to require that all absentee and mail-in ballots in federal elections be received by the time polls close on Election Day in order to be counted.

“Congress holds the constitutional authority to set the times, places, and manner of federal elections,” said Senator Mike Lee. “States counting late ballots are inviting fraud and sowing doubt in their own election results. Our bill will clarify protocol and restore trust by counting only ballots received before the polls close on election day.”

"Election Day should mean Election Day," said Senator James Lankford. "Americans should not have to wait days or weeks while states like California keep counting ballots. The SAVE Act, this bill, and every other effort to secure our elections are about the same thing: making sure the American people can trust the results. If your ballot is going to count, it needs to be in the hands of election officials by the time the polls close."

Background

In Watson v. Republican National Committee, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted up to five days later and held that federal election-day statutes do not set a deadline for ballot receipt. The Ballots by Election Day Act legislatively closes this gap by setting a uniform federal deadline that requires ballots to be in the hands of election officials by the time polls close to be counted as valid.

The Ballots by Election Day Act:

Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require that absentee and mail-in ballots in federal elections be received by the appropriate election official no later than the time polls close on Election Day.

Prohibits states from counting absentee or mail-in ballots received after polls close on Election Day.

Preserves existing protections for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).

Applies to federal elections held in 2027 and every year thereafter.

Read the full bill text here.

Read exclusive coverage by Fox News here.

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Luján, Kaine Lead Legislation to Expand Access to Home and Community-Based Care for Older Adults and People with Disabilities

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act, legislation to ensure older adults and people with disabilities have a real choice between receiving long-term care at home or in institutional settings. The legislation would make home and community-based care a mandatory Medicaid benefit, gradually eliminate waiting lists for services, strengthen the home and community-based care workforce, and provide greater support for family caregivers.

Under current Medicaid policy, many older adults and people with disabilities have access to nursing homes and other institutional care, but if they want to remain in their home and community, access to home and community-based services often depends on state waiver programs that can leave people waiting years — or even decades — for the care they need. The HCBS Access Act would expand access to home and community-based care and ensure that people who want to stay in their home and receive care can.

“Every American deserves the opportunity to receive care in the place they call home,” said Senator Luján. “Far too many older adults and people with disabilities are forced into getting care in a setting far from home, not because it’s what they want, but because it’s the only option they have. My legislation would give families the freedom to choose the care that best meets their needs, while strengthening the caregiving workforce and providing critical support for family caregivers.”

“Many Virginians want to age with dignity in their homes, where they can remain connected with their family, friends, and community,” said Senator Kaine. “The HCBS Access Act will help give millions of people the opportunity to receive essential at-home services, while boosting support for the family caregivers and direct care workers who make independent living possible. I’m proud to support this legislation to help put at-home care within reach for more Virginians.”

Specifically, the Home and Community-Based Services Access Act would:

Make HCBS a mandatory Medicaid benefit, ensuring eligible individuals can choose between receiving care at home or in an institutional setting.

Eliminate the need for administratively burdensome Medicaid HCBS waiver programs.

Increase federal Medicaid funding for home and community-based services.

Provide grants to help states expand their HCBS capacity and reduce waiting lists.

Strengthen the direct care workforce by improving job quality, stability, and workforce availability.

Support states in providing caregiving workers with stable, quality jobs and living wages.

Expand training and support for family caregivers.

Improve oversight and quality assurance for home and community-based services.

In addition to Luján and Kaine the HCBS Access Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

The Home and Community-Based Services Access Act is supported by Justice in Aging, National Health Law Program, PHI, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Caring Across, National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), Autism Society of America, The Arc of the United States, Well Spouse Association, Little Lobbyists, Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, CommunicationFIRST, Independence Center, Cure SMA, Lakeshore Foundation, American Association on Health and Disability, Care in Action, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), National Alliance for Caregiving, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD), Easterseals, Autism Speaks, ANCOR, ADAPT, and MomsRising.

Supporting quotes can be found here.

Full bill text is available here.

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Markey, HELP Committee Push Justice Department to Hold Steward Healthcare CEO Ralph de la Torre Accountable for Corporate Greed

Washington (August 7, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, today released the following statement as the Department of Justice continues to ignore the Senate’s unanimous criminal contempt referral for Steward Health Care CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre. De la Torre failed to respond to a subpoena issued by the Senate HELP committee in September 2024. Senator Markey and the HELP Committee continue to call on the Department of Justice to hold Dr. de la Torre accountable for his mismanagement and dangerous self-interest.

“Dr. Ralph de la Torre looted Steward Health Care for his own personal gain, including selling land out from under hospitals while he bought a yacht and lavish homes. His greed led to patient deaths, unpaid workers and vendors, and communities losing critical health services. The Senate unanimously voted to hold him in contempt of Congress, but de la Torre has yet to face accountability for his actions. The Department of Justice has dragged its feet for too long; it’s time they hold de la Torre responsible for the anguish he’s caused Massachusetts families.

“Steward Health Care was an example - not the exception. The longer de la Torre evades responsibility, the more people will die. I will continue fighting for my Health Over Wealth Act and to get private equity out of health care. Massachusetts and our country deserve better.”

In July 2024, Senator Markey spoke at a press conference after Steward announced the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer and Carney Hospital in Dorchester. Earlier in the month, Senator Markey was joined by fifteen bipartisan colleagues in voting to subpoena Dr. de la Torre to compel him to appear before the HELP Committee and answer for the business practices of Steward Health and the role private equity and real estate investment trusts played in its bankruptcy. This was the first time the HELP Committee had issued a subpoena since 1981. Dr.de la Torre refused to appear. The HELP Committee voted to hold him in contempt on September 19, 2024. On September 25, 2024, the Senate voted to hold Dr. de la Torre in civil and criminal contempt of Congress.

In September 2024, Senator Markey unveiled “The Steward Health Care Report: How Corporate Greed Hurt Patients, Health Workers, and Communities.” The report spotlights patient and worker experiences, hospital quality data, and information on hospital closures in Massachusetts and around the country to document the devastating impacts of Steward’s mismanagement.

In June 2026, Senator Markey wrote to Keith Sonderling, Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor, raising the alarm for a proposed rule that would expose Americans’ retirement savings to greater risk by opening the door to expanded private equity investments in 401(k)s and other retirement plans. This extractive private equity model has led to the collapse of Steward Health Care, hospital closures, and mismanaged nursing homes.

In July 2026, Senator Markey and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) reintroduced the Health Over Wealth Act, legislation spurred by the Steward crisis that would require greater transparency into private equity firms and for-profit companies that own healthcare entities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and mental or behavioral health facilities. The bill would put safeguards in place to protect workers, patients, and health care quality, access, and safety; create stronger accountability measures for corporate greed; and close tax loopholes that benefit real estate investment trusts making money off of health care property.

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Senator Markey Reintroduces Legislation to Expedite Humanitarian Aid to the People of North Korea

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (August 7, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) reintroduced the Enhancing North Korea Humanitarian Assistance Act of 2026, which would expedite the efforts of non-governmental organizations to provide lifesaving medical care, sanitation systems, and other essential humanitarian needs to the people of North Korea. The legislation would modify sanctions implementation at the United States Department of Treasury, Department of State, Department of Commerce, and the United Nations’ North Korea sanctions committee to ensure that assistance can reach those in need. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) cosponsors the legislation.

“Sanctions on North Korea should target the oppressive Kim regime and its dangerous nuclear ambitions—not its vulnerable civilians who lack access to essential services and lifesaving care. Thousands across North Korea are without adequate medical treatment, clean water, and stable food supplies, not because we lack the will to help, but because of bureaucratic roadblocks that delay aid for months on end,” said Senator Markey. “The United States must cut through the red tape preventing the efforts of non-governmental organizations to provide such basic needs of North Koreans.”

As of 2025, roughly 11,800,000 people in North Korea are in urgent need of food assistance and roughly 10,400,000 need improved access to basic services, including health care, water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. Additionally, more than 45 percent of the population in North Korea is undernourished, and one-third of household drinking water is contaminated. Humanitarian groups address these essential needs—providing a lifeline for the North Korean people—but under the current sanctions regulations, they often get obstructed by bureaucratic roadblocks. For instance, the treatment of tuberculosis requires not just food and medicine, which are exempted from sanctions, but also basic materials to make temporary patient isolation wards. Even the laptops that humanitarian workers need for their projects can too easily trigger sanctions-related delays.

Specifically, the Enhancing North Korea Humanitarian Assistance Act of 2026 would:

Require the Treasury and Commerce Departments to expand narrow humanitarian sanctions exceptions to cover, among others, items that support humanitarian projects, beyond just food and medicine

Require the Treasury Department to report regularly on humanitarian license requests and comfort letters, including explanations for the denials, to encourage timely responses

Require the Treasury Department to issue plainly worded guidance to ensure that not only banks but also shippers, suppliers, and others involved in aid understand how to make use of humanitarian exemptions

Require the administration to use U.S. influence at the UN to push for changes that expedite humanitarian exemptions and ease application burdens for nongovernmental organizations

Require the State Department to brief Congress on actions that could simplify travel authorizations for legitimate humanitarian work in North Korea

“Several decades of humanitarian cooperation in North Korea has shown us at AFSC how critical this work is,” said Austin Headrick, Asia Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee. “We are grateful to Senator Markey for his leadership to address the challenges facing humanitarian cooperation with the Enhancing North Korea Humanitarian Assistance Act. This is an important step in ensuring life-saving supplies can reach the people who need them most.”

Senator Markey has consistently advocated for the United States to uphold international law and support human rights and humanitarian protections around the world. Most recently on July 31, Senator Markey, along with Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), reintroduced the Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026 to promote democracy, defend human rights, and impose accountability on the Government of Turkey for systemic political repression and violations of international law.

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Senator Markey Releases New Comprehensive Report “Under the Radar” Documenting Trump’s Second Administration Stealth Attack on U.S. Immigration System

Markey report reveals some of the most expansive and damaging measures have unfolded largely outside of public view

Report Text (PDF)

Washington (August 7, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today released a comprehensive new report, titled Under the Radar II: The Second Trump Administration’s Stealth Attack on the U.S. Immigration System, examining the second Trump administration’s quiet, systematic efforts to dismantle the U.S. immigration system. While many of the Trump administration’s immigration actions have made headlines since his inauguration day, some of the most expansive and damaging measures have unfolded largely outside of public view. Senator Markey’s report documents how the Administration has made “under-the-radar” policy and procedural changes to destabilize pathways to lawful presence, expand immigration enforcement, and reshape the immigration courts. The report follows Senator Markey’s “Under the Radar” report from May 2019, which exposed similar covert efforts by the first Trump administration to reshape the immigration system.

“As our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, we should be celebrating our identity as a nation of immigrants. Instead, the Trump administration is quietly gutting critical protections to systematically demonize and target our immigrant communities,” said Senator Markey. “This report shines a light on Trump’s cruel project to dismantle due process, strip immigrants of their lawful status, and turn our immigration courts into deportation machines. The Trump administration must be held accountable for its attacks on our immigrant neighbors.”

Senator Markey’s report pulls back the curtain on the second Trump administration’s cruel immigration policy reforms. For instance, the Trump administration has moved to expand denaturalization, the process of revoking citizenship. The Administration instructed United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices in 2025 to refer between 100 to 200 denaturalization cases per month for litigation, an unprecedented escalation of a historically rarely used process. Denaturalization carries profound consequences for individuals and their family members, including loss of citizenship, statelessness, potential criminal charges, and exposure to removal. Stripping individuals of citizenship to fill quotas and serve the Administration’s mass deportation agenda is draconian and senseless.

Senator Markey’s report is organized into three sections: “Destabilizing Lawful Pathways,” “Transforming Enforcement,” and “Reshaping Immigration Courts.” Topics covered in the report include:

Section One: U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, Humanitarian Parole, Work Authorization, Protections for Workers Reporting Labor Violations, Deferred Action, Public Charge Inadmissibility, Affirmative Asylum System, Adjustment of Status Adjudications, Citizenship, Naturalization Oath Ceremonies, and Denaturalization.

Section Two: Notice to Appear Issuance, Arrest Authority of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Alien Registration Requirements, Legal Representation, Expedited Removal, Prosecutorial Discretion and Administrative Closure, Detention, Bond Eligibility, and Agency Information Sharing.

Section Three: Executive Office for Immigration Review, Politicization and Removal of Immigration Judges, Board of Immigration Appeals, Continuances and Docket Control, and Backlogs.

Senator Markey has worked consistently to hold the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement regime accountable, and to demand transparency from ICE and DHS.

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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (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.

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SENATORS MCCORMICK AND COONS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO STRENGTHEN NIH MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT NEXT GENERATION OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCHERS

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) today introduced the NIH Mentorship Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s scientific workforce pipeline by formalizing consistent, evidence-based mentorship standards across National Institutes of Health (NIH) career development and research training programs.

The biomedical research enterprise depends on a steady pipeline of talent, but too many early-stage investigators leave the field for the private sector before they ever reach an R01 grant, the traditional marker of an independent research career. This attrition point, the gap between early career development awards and R01-level funding, is one of the most vulnerable stages in a researcher’s career and a critical juncture where the nation risks losing its most promising scientific talent. Strong mentorship has been shown to help early-career researchers navigate this gap, stay in the research pipeline, and go on to lead their own research programs.

The legislation formalizes mentorship as a standard part of NIH-funded career development and training programs, giving young, accomplished researchers the structured support they need to remain in research rather than exit the industry. It builds on existing mentorship practices, preserves flexibility for research institutions, and minimizes unnecessary administrative burden by relying on NIH’s existing reporting requirements.

“America’s leadership in biomedical research depends on developing the next generation of scientific talent,” said Senator McCormick. “Strong mentorship helps young researchers succeed, drives innovation, and ensures taxpayer investments in medical research deliver lasting results. As the fourth-largest recipient of NIH funding in the nation, Pennsylvania has a strong stake in maintaining a world-class biomedical research workforce. This bipartisan legislation strengthens that pipeline while giving institutions the flexibility they need to build on what already works.”

“The next generation of scientists will contain the next generation of disease outbreaks and cure the next generation of illnesses, but first those scientists must be properly prepared for their careers,” said Senator Coons. “Mentorship is a powerful way of ensuring we have capable and qualified researchers to keep our nation healthy.”

Studies consistently show that researchers with engaged mentors are more likely to remain in research careers, secure independent grant funding, publish impactful research, advance professionally, and report greater career satisfaction.

The National Institutes of Health supports thousands of early-career researchers through career development and research training awards. While many of these programs include mentored research experiences, mentorship expectations vary considerably across institutions.

Pennsylvania, which ranks fourth in the nation in NIH funding, is uniquely positioned to benefit from a stronger biomedical research workforce. In Fiscal Year 2024, NIH grants supported 21,740 Pennsylvania jobs and generated $5.31 billion in economic activity statewide. NIH-driven commercialization has also contributed to the creation of 3,710 Pennsylvania businesses and 97,374 jobs in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Across the country, NIH awarded $36.94 billion in research funding in Fiscal Year 2024, supporting 407,782 jobs and generating $94.58 billion in economic activity nationwide. Every $1 invested in NIH-funded research generates approximately $2.56 in economic activity, underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong pipeline of talented biomedical researchers.

The NIH Mentorship Modernization Act would:

Establish minimum, evidence-based mentorship standards for designated NIH career development, institutional training, fellowship, research education, and other research training awards.

Build on existing institutional mentorship programs by minimizing duplicative requirements and allowing comparable programs to satisfy NIH standards.

Require institutions to certify compliance with NIH mentorship standards while encouraging the dissemination of evidence-based mentorship practices across the biomedical research enterprise.

Authorize NIH to provide supplemental funding or other institutional support to help institutions implement the mentorship standards.

Require NIH to periodically review and update mentorship standards to reflect evolving evidence-based practices and applies the new framework prospectively, with a two-year implementation period and voluntary early adoption for existing award.

“Last year, the NIH invested more than $2.6 billion across more than 3,700 research projects in Pennsylvania. These investments support early-stage discovery, clinical research, workforce development, and the commercialization of lifesaving treatment,” said Christopher P. Molineaux, President & CEO of Life Sciences Pennsylvania. “This legislation acknowledges the critical importance of training and mentorship in building the next generation of life sciences leaders and will help ensure Pennsylvania scientists, researchers and business leaders have the support and guidance necessary to advance groundbreaking research and innovation for patients.”

“Mentorship is foundational to developing the next generation of biomedical researchers. By supporting mentor training and establishing clear standards, this legislation recognizes the critical role mentorship plays in helping trainees and early-career investigators and builds on the important work already underway across academic medicine to elevate mentorship as a core component of research training. Investing in mentorship is an investment in the future of biomedical discovery and patient care,” said Emma A. Meagher, MD, Senior Vice Dean, Clinical & Translational Research, Perelman School of Medicine and Vice President, University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Review the full text of the bill for more information.

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