Lankford, Lee Introduce Bill to End Federal Funding for Harmful Gender Transition Research on Minors

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Mike Lee (R-UT) recently introduced the Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act to prohibit the use of federal funds for any research or publication promoting gender transitions for minors. The legislation will shield American children from permanent medical and psychological damage, in line with President Trump’s agenda to keep tax dollars from child mutilation.

“God creates every child male or female in His perfect image,” said Lankford. “For too long, taxpayers have been forced to fund sex-rejecting studies on kids. The result has been irreversible physical harm, mental health crises, and families torn apart. President Trump has led the effort to shut down these grants across the federal government, and Congress needs to make it permanent. This bill ensures that not one more taxpayer dollar funds research designed to harm children.”

“Why is the federal bureaucracy in the child mutilation business?” said Lee. “Americans don’t want to pay millions for these disturbing studies where hundreds of kids are experimented on with puberty-blocking drugs. President Trump rightly halted this attack on America’s kids. Our bill will codify his agenda to keep federal dollars out of gender transition research involving minors.”

Background

Joining Lankford and Lee in co-sponsoring the legislation are Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and it is endorsed by Students for Life Action and the American Principles Project.

The Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act prohibits the use of federal funds for any research, observational study, or publication relating to gender transitions in individuals under the age of 18, which is conducted for the purpose of affirming a minor’s asserted identity or perception of his or her sex, if such is incongruent with the minor’s biological sex.

You can download the full bill text HERE.

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Luján, Heinrich, Durbin Lead Colleagues in Slamming Trump’s Move to Strip Protections From Bears Ears & Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) led 34 senators in a letter to President Trump expressing strong opposition to his executive order reducing the boundaries of, and stripping protections from the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments in southern Utah. In the letter, the senators highlight how the executive order places irreplaceable cultural, historic, scientific, ecological, and recreational resources at risk of destruction and loss.

“By attempting, yet again, to eliminate vast portions of these monuments, your Administration invites needless uncertainty to the stability that local communities, Tribes, land managers, scientists, recreation users, and businesses need. Not just in Utah, but for all local communities that rely on the stability of our national monuments,” the senators wrote.

“The Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments are national treasures. The American people deserve public lands policy grounded in law, science, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and stewardship—not political decisions against the desires of the vast majority of Americans,” the senators concluded.

In addition to Senators Luján, Heinrich, and Durbin, the letter was signed by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Mr. President:

We write to express our strong opposition to your July 13, 2026, proclamations that stripped protections for Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. These actions attempt to remove nearly three million acres from monument protection and placed irreplaceable cultural, historic, scientific, ecological, and recreational resources at risk of destruction and loss.

National monuments have preserved our country’s unique public lands, extraordinary history, and common culture for 120 years. Grand Staircase-Escalante, established in 1996, contains world-class paleontological resources, the ancestral and current homelands of multiple Tribal Nations, striking geologic formations, unique plants and animals, stunning dark night skies, and landscapes that support robust local outdoor recreation economies. Bears Ears, established in 2016, is America’s first truly tribally-driven national monument. The proposal was led by five sovereign Tribal Nations.

Each monument is a living cultural landscape with deep spiritual and ancestral importance to multiple Tribal Nations, including the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Ute Indian Tribe and the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians. These places are not abstractions on a map; they are homelands and sacred sites that deserve enduring protection, and enhanced recognition secured by the previous monument declaration.

We are especially troubled that the Bears Ears proclamation disbanded the Bears Ears Commission, a landmark model of collaborative management between sovereign Tribal Nations and the federal government. Tribal leaders have made clear that Bears Ears is a sacred ancestral homeland, and that decisions affecting it must be made through meaningful government-to government consultation. The Department of the Interior had previously committed to meeting with the Bears Ears Commission if changes to the monument were under consideration; no such meeting occurred before these proclamations were signed. Any major policy action regarding these culturally important places requires meaningful government-to-government consultation.

National monuments enjoy widespread public support and serve as economic drivers across the United States. The outdoor recreation economy generates $1.3 trillion in gross output and accounts for $9.75 billion in Utah alone. The localities surrounding national monuments have seen growth in income and employment since their designations. We reject the premise that monuments are incompatible with rural prosperity or responsible public access. Despite your false claims that people cannot walk, hunt or fish in these monuments, monument designations support outdoor recreation, heritage tourism, hunting and fishing, scientific research, grazing under appropriate management, and durable local economies. At the same time, monument status prevents the loss of cultural and natural resources that cannot be replaced once damaged. By attempting, yet again, to eliminate vast portions of these monuments, your Administration invites needless uncertainty to the stability that local communities, Tribes, land managers, scientists, recreation users, and businesses need. Not just in Utah, but for all local communities that rely on the stability of our national monuments.

The Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments are national treasures. The American people deserve public lands policy grounded in law, science, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and stewardship—not political decisions against the desires of the vast majority of Americans. We stand with Tribal Nations, local communities, scientists, conservationists, outdoor recreation businesses, and Americans across the country who believe these landscapes should remain protected.

Sincerely,

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Markey, Van Hollen, Whitehouse, Dingell Statement on D.C. Circuit’s Ruling to Protect Landmark Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund from Unlawful Trump Attacks

Ruling allows grant recipients to withdraw funds and get to work on projects to lower energy bills, create healthier environment, fight climate change

Washington (August 4, 2026) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today applauded the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, sitting en banc, to uphold an injunction that blocks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from clawing back billions of dollars in funds from Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) awardees. In February, the lawmakers were joined by 36 additional members of Congress in filing an amicus brief at the D.C. Circuit, urging it to take this action.

“The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund was designed to unleash new projects and create jobs around the country that would cut down on rising energy bills, dangerous pollution, and harm to our climate,” said the lawmakers. “The Trump administration’s brazen attempt to prevent those projects, seize these funds, and break the law in the process has been rightfully halted by the D.C. Circuit. These dollars were awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency years ago after a rigorous and transparent process, in accordance with the law we passed in 2022. We will continue to fight for the full and fair operation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund—for a safer climate, for good green jobs, and for cheaper, cleaner energy.”

Senators Markey, Van Hollen and Congresswoman Dingell were the authors of the National Climate Bank Act, legislation that served as the framework for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund provision that became law through the Inflation Reduction Act–and was executed by the EPA under the Biden administration.

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Senate Passes Markey Amendments to Crack Down on Illegal Robocalls

Washington (August 4, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, celebrated the Senate’s passage by unanimous consent of the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act. The legislation includes four amendments that Senator Markey secured during committee consideration — three with Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and one with Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) — to strengthen investigations, expose bad actors, and protect consumers against illegal robocalls and texts.

“When robocall scammers try to turn Americans’ phones into tools for theft and deception, we have to make their jobs harder,” said Senator Markey. “My amendments will strengthen efforts to trace illegal calls to their source, crack down on sham phone companies, and shine a light on the networks that enable these scams. I’m proud to continue leading the fight against illegal robocalls and restore trust in our phone networks.”

Senator Markey’s amendments would:

Make it harder for sham providers to game the system. The Luján-Markey provision requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a bond of up to $100,000 for certain providers registering in the Robocall Mitigation Database. Phone companies have to register in the Robocall Mitigation Database to send calls through the U.S. phone network.

Strengthen private traceback investigations. The Thune-Markey provision incorporates their Robocall Traceback Enhancement Act, which the lawmakers introduced in 2021. The amendment helps bolster privately led efforts to trace back the origins of illegal and bothersome robocalls, helping to identify and stop bad actors.

Increase transparency and accountability. Two Markey-Luján amendments strengthen the bill’s required report by directing the robocall task force to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of periodically releasing traceback results, including whether disclosure could help consumers avoid bad providers, strengthen deterrence, and improve call blocking.

Senator Markey is the co-author of the bipartisan Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act, landmark robocall legislation that was enacted in 2019. The TRACED Act helped to address unwanted and abusive calls by, among other things, requiring telephone companies to authenticate callers, strengthening caller identification, and giving consumers greater power to block calls from unverified numbers.

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Senators Markey, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Healthcare for Americans Who Cannot Afford Bail

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (August 4, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today reintroduced the Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act, legislation that would protect the continuity of federal health benefits under Medicaid, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Veterans Affairs for Americans who have been detained while they await trial and, in many cases, remain in custody because they cannot afford bail. These protections would make it easier for people to continue to access essential healthcare, including substance use disorder and mental health treatment, while incarcerated. The legislation would partially reverse the 1965 Federal Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP), which generally bans the use of federal funds to provide care for inmates of a public institution under Medicaid.

“Healthcare is a human right. It is unjust and immoral to strip people of their health coverage simply because they can’t afford to pay their bail,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must eliminate the discriminatory policies that make it harder for people to get the healthcare they need, including treatment for substance use disorder or mental health services. I am proud to partner with Senator Merkley in fighting to break down barriers to essential healthcare and create a system that puts care and compassion over incarceration.”

“Americans who have serious health conditions—including those who are awaiting trial—need access to quality health care and can’t afford to be kicked off of those benefits,” said Senator Merkley. “In America, you are innocent until proven guilty, and the?Equity in Pre-Trial Health Coverage Act?will ensure that pre-trial detainees can keep their health coverage and seek the medical treatment they need.”

Currently, individuals who are arrested and can post bail maintain their coverage. But those who remain in custody because they cannot afford bail can lose coverage, despite being charged but not convicted of a crime. As a result, a gap in coverage exists for individuals covered by federal health programs awaiting trial, which restricts their access to essential care in their community and shifts the cost of medical treatment for pretrial detainees to local city, county, and state agencies. This gap is particularly challenging for people with substance use disorders and other mental health conditions, which require consistent and sustained medical treatment.

Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

In 2022, Senator Markey secured provisions in the end-of-year spending package (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023) that allow states to maintain Medicaid coverage for juveniles who are in custody pending deposition of charges. The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act would go further, extending and requiring coverage to anyone no matter their age.

Senators Markey and Merkley first introduced the legislation in 2021.

The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act is endorsed by National Association of Counties, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Commission on Correctional Health Care, Association of Oregon Counties, Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, and American Jail Association.

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Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Strengthen Congressional Oversight & Hold Federal Bureaucrats Accountable

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), today introduced the STOP the SWAMP Act to strengthen congressional oversight and hold federal employees accountable for obstructing congressional investigations.

The legislation follows last week’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times rather than answer questions from senators regarding his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For years we’ve watched unelected bureaucrats evade accountability while millions of families are still searching for answers,” said Senator Marshall. “Congress has a constitutional duty to conduct oversight, and that responsibility means nothing if federal officials can refuse to answer questions without consequence. This bill restores accountability and begins rebuilding the trust that’s been lost.”

This bill was introduced by Congressman Rich McCormick (R-Georgia) in the House of Representatives.

The STOP the SWAMP Act would:

Bar individuals from future federal employment if they refuse to answer qualifying questions before Congress or are convicted of perjury related to congressional testimony.

Authorize members of Congress to refer witnesses who unlawfully withhold information to the Department of Justice (DOJ), establishing clear consequences for those who obstruct federal investigations.

Click here to read the full text of the legislation.

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Senator Marshall: You Have to Show ID for a Communist Grocery Store in NYC but Not to Vote

Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Fox Business, The Bottom Line with Jackie DeAngelis and Lou Basenese to discuss the Senate’s priorities before recess, including the SAVE America Act, how Democrats want you to show ID to buy groceries but not to vote, and how Dr. Fauci needs to be held accountable for the suffering caused by his lies.

Click HERE to download the full video.

On the Senate’s priorities before recess:

“Well, look, we need to fund the government. That’s a very simple, immediate priority: give the American people certainty through the end of November, and after then we see who wins the election, and that’ll help determine the priorities for the financials. But the biggest long-term issue that this Congress could take on is making voter ID required across the nation for our elections. Think about this — I just read on X moments ago that Mayor Mamdani, the head of the big government socialist party, just said that to get your free food from his communist grocery store, that you have to show an ID. So, you have to show an ID for a grocery store, but not to vote?”

On passing the SAVE America Act:

“So, it can be. Now the question is, do we have the will? I do think we’ll go through this reconciliation bill that includes money for the military, some farm aid, as well as the SAVE America Act that insists on voter ID, proof of citizenship when you register, and guardrails around the mail-in ballots. Now, the question is, what is the parliamentarian going to do to that? Will we be able to get through the hurdle, if you will? But I’m very willing to stay till recess is over and I think that we should put the Democrats on the record and vote for them one at a time. Have them vote on voter ID, have them vote on proof of citizenship, have them vote on the mail-in ballot issue — get them on record. That way, when they go home over August, their own constituents can beat the heck out of them. Again, 80-90% of Americans want voter ID.”

“Well, it’s possible. You know, if we can get one or two of them to flip, then I think we can get eight more to flip as well. And my hope is that when they go back home is that their own constituents put the pressure on them. Look, even Democrats — what is it, 70% of Democrats are in favor of voter ID as well. So, get them on the record, make this what we’re talking about on national television, not about some of the things that they want to talk about. Let’s talk about voter ID, let’s talk about the 80-20 issues that Republicans want to talk about — your safety, your prosperity, that’s what we want to be talking about as Republicans.”

On Dr. Fauci’s Senate hearing and the consequences of his deception:

“Yeah, I mean, for the sake of the one million people that died, the 20 million people with long COVID, the millions of Americans who had a loved one pass away by themselves, the kids who missed their senior year of high school — we need closure on that. And this hearing was just the tip of the iceberg, and that’s why we need a special counsel to go out and investigate the 111 lies that he told the American public as well. And go back and review the autopen pardon as well. Is that something legitimate? What does the Supreme Court think about that? So yes, we need that special counsel; we need to hold someone accountable, and someone probably needs to go to jail — but at least give up his government retirement plan.”

“Right, and again, we just talked about the tip of the iceberg. What he told the American public was something different than he wrote in his diary — whether it was about the origins of the virus or if the vaccine would stop the spread as well. So, what he told his diary was different than what he told the American public; he deceived the American public, and he lied to President Trump. Whether he lied to Congress or he just slowed down the progress of Congress, I think that’s up to a jury to decide. This is one more reason we need a full-time Attorney General back in place so he can appoint this special counsel.”

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Merkley, Curtis Announce Bipartisan Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT), respectively the Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight, teamed up to introduce bipartisan legislation that would finally end all commercial and industrial uses of asbestos.

The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 protects public health by prohibiting the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution in commerce of all six recognized asbestos fibers, for which experts say there is no safe level of human exposure.

“American families and workers deserve to have a future free of exposure to asbestos—a known killer,” said Merkley. “This deadly carcinogen has been banned in more than 50 countries, while the United States is playing catch-up on tackling this public health nightmare. Our bipartisan bill is necessary to phase out all dangerous asbestos fibers and provide stronger protections for consumers across the United States.”

“For decades, we have known the dangers of commercial asbestos, yet it has continued to be used,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation finally brings certainty by ending the manufacture and use of commercial asbestos while providing a responsible, time-limited transition for the limited uses that remain.”

The bipartisan Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 would:

Ban commercial asbestos by prohibiting its manufacture, processing, use, and distribution in commerce.

Cover all six historically regulated asbestos fibers.

Establish durable public health protections and codify federal transition requirements.

The bill is supported by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, American Public Health Association (APHA), Center for Environmental Health (CEH), Collegium Ramazzini, Environmental Information Association (EIA), Environmental Working Group (EWG), and Federal Fire Fighters Joint Council, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

“Today’s bipartisan Senate reintroduction of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act marks a historic breakthrough in the fight to end the use of asbestos in the United States. On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, we are deeply grateful to Senator Jeff Merkley for his steadfast leadership on this issue and to Senator John Curtis for becoming the first Senate Republican to co-sponsor ARBAN. More than 40,000 Americans die each year from preventable asbestos-caused diseases and Congress has a responsibility to act. Together, Senators Merkley and Curtis are doing just that by advancing the comprehensive, durable solution needed to eliminate all six recognized asbestos fibers and Libby Amphibole asbestos from commerce. Their bill will protect workers, first responders, consumers, children, and communities across the nation from asbestos and save lives for decades to come,” said Linda Reinstein, President and Cofounder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).

“There is overwhelming consensus in the scientific community that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. APHA continues to support legislation like the Senate’s Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act to protect the public’s health by eliminating all asbestos imports and use,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Chief Executive Officer, American Public Health Association.

“CEH applauds Senators Merkley and Curtis for reintroducing the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, a standalone, bipartisan bill that will ban asbestos in all of its forms in the United States. Banning asbestos, one of the most toxic substances that has caused so much harm, is long overdue,” said Thomas R. Fox, Senior Legislative Counsel, Center for Environmental Health.

“The Collegium Ramazzini, an international scientific society, supports the Senate’s Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 which calls for an immediate ban on all mining and the use of asbestos in all its forms in order to eliminate the continuing burden of disease and death. We urge the immediate passage of this legislation which will save countless lives in our country and globally,” said Dr. Melissa McDiarmid, on behalf of the Fellows of the Collegium Ramazzini.

“On behalf of the Environmental Information Association (EIA), a non-profit membership organization of persons involved in the asbestos abatement industry, I write to express EIA’s strong support for the Senate’s Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act of 2026. We greatly appreciate your continuing commitment to ban commercial asbestos that has continued for many years. With the passage of the ARBAN Act, the United States will finally join nearly 70 countries that have banned asbestos,” said J. Brent Kynoch, Managing Director of the Environmental Information Association.

“EWG commends Senators Jeff Merkley and John Curtis for their introduction of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act to ban this deadly carcinogen. Asbestos-related diseases have claimed countless lives and continue to leave families grieving across the nation. By passing the bipartisan ARBAN Act, Congress can make it unmistakably clear that public health must come before industry profits. This legislation reflects the longstanding dedication of Linda Reinstein and the ADAO, whose tireless advocacy over more than two decades has helped keep the devastating human toll of asbestos in the public eye and sustained momentum for congressional action,” said Ken Cook, President, Environmental Working Group (EWG).

“The Federal Fire Fighters Joint Council wholeheartedly endorses the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act and its critical effort to ban the importation, commercial sale, and use of all asbestos fibers. Exposure to toxic asbestos during emergency response duties continues to cause devastating illnesses and deaths among dedicated federal fire fighters protecting federal facilities and the American public. Enacting a comprehensive ban is a vital and long-overdue step toward safeguarding the health and lives of our nation’s valiant firefighters,” said Michael Jackson, President of the Federal Fire Fighters Joint Council, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Merkley has been a longtime advocate for banning asbestos. He previously chaired a hearing on his legislation to ban the manufacturing, processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos in the United States. Merkley also leads a bipartisan effort to mark National Asbestos Awareness Week in April, educating Americans about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Full text of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 can be found by clicking here.

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Merkley Leads Sweeping Legislation to Counter Trump’s Authoritarian Takeover of U.S. and Defend Our Democracy

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley unveiled the For Our Republic Act, a comprehensive legislative package to fight back against President Trump’s aggressive authoritarian takeover of American democracy.

The brand-new For Our Republic Act includes provisions to directly oppose Trump’s authoritarian playbook, including defending independent government watchdogs, protecting non-partisan civil servants, reasserting Congress’ power of the purse, fighting government corruption, strengthening free speech and civil liberties, and safeguarding free and fair elections.

“Authoritarianism isn’t down the street or around the corner—it is here right now,” said Merkley. “We have all three ingredients of a strongman state in the United States: a rubber-stamp Congress doing the President’s bidding; a deferential Supreme Court finding ‘invisible ink’ in the Constitution to enhance the President’s powers; and a power-hungry President behaving like a king, breaking the law and violating the checks and balances of our Constitution.

Merkley continued, “The For Our Republic Act lays out a clear roadmap of the actions Congress can take to fight back against Trump’s authoritarian takeover and reassert our authority. Together, let’s fight back and save our republic!”

The For Our Republic Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

“In a clear conflict of interest and gross abuse of power, Trump fired 17 Inspectors General within his first days in office so he could tap political allies to conduct oversight of his own Administration—leaving these watchdogs to answer to the President before the American people,” said Duckworth. “First and foremost, Senate Democrats’ For Our Republic Act includes my legislation that would prevent stone-cold corruption like this, which have too often become the norm in the Trump Administration. It’s clear that the current checks on the President are not enough, and our legislation would not only help us restore good government—it will also empower Congress to prevent any more wanna-be kings from bending our Republic to its breaking point.”

“Donald Trump has led a brazen, unprecedented campaign of corruption—growing his power while ignoring the needs of the American people. The For Our Republic Act installs critical guardrails against Trump’s relentless attacks on our democracy, promoting government transparency and accountability while preserving Americans’ rights and liberties. This legislation fights against Trump’s slide towards tyranny and protects our country’s democratic values,” said Blumenthal.

To fight back against the known playbook of authoritarian governments, the For Our Republic Act includes new provisions to counter the rise of authoritarianism and erosion of our democratic government under the second Trump Administration, as well as existing legislation from Merkley and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

The For Our Republic Act outlines ten principles to protect our democracy:

Defend the Referees

Protect the Independent, Non-Partisan Civil Service

Celebrate One Nation, Indivisible

Reaffirm Equal Justice Under Law

Strengthen Free Speech

Reassert Congress’ Power of the Purse

Fight Government Corruption

Ensure Liberty and Justice for All

Prevent Authoritarian Policing Tactics on America’s Streets

Safeguard Free and Fair Elections

A detailed outline of the For Our Republic Act can be found by clicking here.

The For Our Republic Act is supported by Public Citizen, Project on Government Oversight (POGO), Refugees International, and Common Cause.

“It is stunning how the Trump Administration, empowered by an obedient congressional Republican caucus, has empowered the federal government to intrude and impose upon our daily lives. The separation of powers, and the checks and balances against over-reach by the president, have largely been vanquished. America has fallen into dangerous times. Sen. Merkley’s For Our Republic Act seeks to restore those critical checks and balances and re-affirm the democratic principles upon which America was founded. Public Citizen heartily endorses this very necessary measure,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen.

“With so many attacks on our country’s core values, the For Our Republic Act is a critical step in restoring our democratic principles,” said Carol Evans, Common Cause’s Vice President of Policy. “This legislation takes the power back for the people. It ensures that our government serves the public rather than answering to the whims of one person in charge.”

Merkley has led the charge to ring the alarm bells about the Trump Administration’s authoritarian takeover of America. On October 21, 2025, Merkley held the Senate floor for 22 hours 37 minutes—the third longest speech in Senate history—to speak directly to the American people about Trump’s authoritarianism. He later published an analysis, titled “Ring the Alarm Bells: The Ten Rules of Trump’s Authoritarian Playbook,” to ensure all Americans understand what our country is facing.

Full text of the For Our Republic Act can be found by clicking here.

A section-by-section summary of the For Our Republic Act can be found by clicking here.

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Bill Text (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today reintroduced the Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act, legislation that would protect the continuity of federal health benefits under Medicaid, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Veterans Affairs for Americans who have been detained while they await trial and, in many cases, remain in custody because they cannot afford bail. These protections would make it easier for people to continue to access essential healthcare, including substance use disorder and mental health treatment, while incarcerated. The legislation would partially reverse the 1965 Federal Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP), which generally bans the use of federal funds to provide care for inmates of a public institution under Medicaid.

“Healthcare is a human right. It is unjust and immoral to strip people of their health coverage simply because they can’t afford to pay their bail,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must eliminate the discriminatory policies that make it harder for people to get the healthcare they need, including treatment for substance use disorder or mental health services. I am proud to partner with Senator Merkley in fighting to break down barriers to essential healthcare and create a system that puts care and compassion over incarceration.”

“Americans who have serious health conditions—including those who are awaiting trial—need access to quality health care and can’t afford to be kicked off of those benefits,” said Senator Merkley. “In America, you are innocent until proven guilty, and the Equity in Pre-Trial Health Coverage Act will ensure that pre-trial detainees can keep their health coverage and seek the medical treatment they need.”

Currently, individuals who are arrested and can post bail maintain their coverage. But those who remain in custody because they cannot afford bail can lose coverage, despite being charged but not convicted of a crime. As a result, a gap in coverage exists for individuals covered by federal health programs awaiting trial, which restricts their access to essential care in their community and shifts the cost of medical treatment for pretrial detainees to local city, county, and state agencies. This gap is particularly challenging for people with substance use disorders and other mental health conditions, which require consistent and sustained medical treatment.

Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

In 2022, Senator Markey secured provisions in the end-of-year spending package (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023) that allow states to maintain Medicaid coverage for juveniles who are in custody pending deposition of charges. The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act would go further, extending and requiring coverage to anyone no matter their age.

Senators Markey and Merkley first introduced the legislation in 2021.

The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act is endorsed by National Association of Counties, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Commission on Correctional Health Care, Association of Oregon Counties, Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, and American Jail Association.

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Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Audit the Pentagon and End Wasteful Spending

Senators: The Pentagon failed its eighth consecutive audit last year, unable to fully account for $4.65 trillion in assets

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in reintroducing legislation that would impose financial consequences if the Pentagon fails to pass a full, independent audit. Any Pentagon department that fails to achieve a clean audit would have 2% of its budget withheld and returned to the U.S. Treasury for deficit reduction.

“Taxpayers cannot keep writing blank checks for a Department of Defense that repeatedly fails to account for trillions of dollars in assets,” Wyden said. “The Pentagon remains the only major federal agency incapable of passing a clean financial audit. It is long past time to enforce real financial consequences when the government mismanages taxpayer dollars. The Audit the Pentagon Act would hold the Defense Department to the basic standards of transparency and fiscal accountability that every other agency is expected to meet.”

“The Pentagon routinely fails audits without consequences, enabling fraud, waste, and abuse,” Merkley said. “This must come to an end. The American people deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent efficiently.”

Despite accounting for more than half of the federal government’s discretionary spending and roughly two-thirds of all federal contracting activity, the Pentagon remains the only one of the federal government’s 24 major agencies to have never passed a clean financial audit — a requirement under federal law since the early 1990s and mandatory on an annual basis since 2018. In its eighth consecutive failed audit, which was released in December 2025 and covered $4.65 trillion in reported assets and $4.7 trillion in liabilities across all 50 states and more than 40 countries, the Pentagon Office of Inspector General identified 26 instances of the most severe auditing errors and two additional significant accounting issues in the department’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Examples of waste and fraud at the Pentagon include:

Almost $141 billion spent on a Northrop Grumman ballistic missile project that was supposed to cost $77 billion, and which is seven years behind schedule.

More than $126 billion spent on a General Dynamics submarine program which has run $17 billion over cost. The per-sub cost has nearly doubled since 2019.

More than $12 billion spent on one missile battery from Leidos and Dynetics that the Pentagon can’t confirm works.

More than $6 billion spent over 16 years on a Raytheon project to build a GPS system. The Pentagon cancelled the project in April due to “insurmountable” problems with its product.

Contrary to this record, Congress continues to expand the Pentagon’s budget every year. The Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request seeks approximately $1.15 trillion — the latest in a decades-long trend of rising Pentagon budgets that have never been matched by basic financial accountability. The Audit the Pentagon Act would finally hold the Pentagon accountable.

The legislation was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Mike Lee, R-Utah, Rand Paul, R-Ky. and Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

The summary of the bill is here.

The full text of the bill is here.

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VIDEO: Senator Moody Targets Gift Card Fraudsters and Fights to Protect Seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is targeting gift card fraudsters with new legislation to combat criminals who target seniors. Senator Moody introduced the Saving Wallets and Increasing Penalties for Elder Scams (SWIPES) Act to give law enforcement stronger tools to prosecute gift card fraud, close loopholes criminals exploit and impose tougher penalties on those who knowingly target seniors.

Gift card fraud occurs in many forms. In some instances, fraudsters execute elaborate schemes where the criminals rob physical cards from stores, steal the redemption information on the back of the cards, and then place the cards back in stores for unsuspecting shoppers to purchase. Once someone buys a card that has been tampered with and loads money onto it, the fraudsters are able to immediately withdraw the funds.

“Career fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to steal from hardworking Floridians—especially our seniors. One emerging trend we are seeing within the Fraud Economy is the proliferation of gift card fraud. We must shore up our laws as fast as these criminals change their strategies. That’s why I am continuing the fight against fraud with my new SWIPES Act. I’ve put crooks and fraudsters behind bars my entire career from prosecutor and judge to Florida’s Attorney General. Now, as your U.S. Senator, I am using that experience to strengthen our laws to hold criminals accountable and protect consumers,” said Senator Ashley Moody.

Gift card thieves also call individuals, many times seniors, pretending to be someone they are not in order to con the victims into handing over gift cards’ redemption information. Fraudsters are also known to set up fake websites that appear like legitimate sites consumers use to check gift card balances, and when a victim inputs the card’s information, the fraudsters can steal the funds.

BACKGROUND:

Federal law enforcement is aggressively targeting this major, growing financial crime and has successfully prosecuted some gift card fraud cases already with dollar losses ranging from $20,000 to $11 million.

Senator Moody’s SWIPES Act:

Amends the access device fraud statute – frequently used by prosecutors in gift card fraud cases – to create a crime for obtaining an access device with fraudulent intent, including by creating, maintaining, or using a spoof domain that collects access device information;

Ensures these criminals face the same penalties as other fraudsters;

Increases penalties for offenders charged with possession of large numbers of fraudulent devices;

Clarifies the law to expressly state that gift cards, digital credentials, and other information can be counterfeited, used without authorization, or otherwise fraudulently obtained to steal gift card funds and digital assets from an individual;

Creates an additional 2-year sentence for any criminal who knowingly defrauds someone over the age of 60; and

Expressly includes gift card fraud within the scope of money laundering statutes where applicable.

For full bill text, click here.

The following are some recent cases of gift card fraud found in Florida:

In September 2025, a Chinese national pleaded guilty for participating in a gift card fraud scheme that targeted grocery stores in St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.

In December 2024, a Chinese national pleaded guilty to possessing over 6,100 unauthorized gift cards, resulting in fraud of more than $1.9 million, following a joint investigation with HSI Orlando and the Ocala Police Department.

Senator Moody, as Florida’s former Attorney General worked to protect consumers and fight for Florida’s seniors:

As Attorney General, Moody created Florida’s Senior Protection Team comprised of leading experts from the AG’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, Consumer Protection Division, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Criminal Justice Programs Unit, as well as specifically-designated FDLE agents from around the state;

Organized and formalized a Consumer Alert program to warn Floridians about scams involving gift cards, tax returns, identity theft, email phishing and more; and

Created the Scams at a Glance outreach program, designed to inform older Floridians about common and emerging scams. The materials highlighted general signs of scams, such as unsolicited calls or email, high-pressure tactics, threats of loss if immediate action is not taken and requests for immediate payment via wire transfer, credit, prepaid debit or gift cards.

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Sens. Moran, Hickenlooper Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Airport Surface Safety

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) – chairman and member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation – today introduced the bipartisan Runway Surface Awareness and Focused, Effective Training and Technology (Runway SAFE-T) Act to improve airport driver training and support technologies to reduce runway incursions and other surface safety incidents.

The bipartisan legislation aims to address safety gaps that have contributed to a number of recent close calls in the national airspace system, including one at LaGuardia Airport in March when a jet collided with an airport fire truck that entered the runway while the aircraft was landing. The incident resulted in the deaths of two pilots and injuries to dozens of passengers and emergency responders. The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and John Kennedy (R-La.).

“Close calls are warning signs and serve as a reminder that our aviation system is fragile,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation brings together the expertise and insight of aviation leaders from government and industry to identify recommendations that will strengthen runway operations, improve ground vehicle safety and bolster overall airport surface safety. It should not take a tragedy for Congress and industry to act, and the Runway SAFE-T Act takes critical steps to identify and address issues before incidents occur.”

"The year is only halfway over, and we've already seen more than 500 runway incursions across the country," said Sen. Hickenlooper. "We must do everything we can to improve aviation safety by ensuring airports large and small have the training and technology they need to keep workers and passengers safe."

“Americans deserve to have air travel that is safe, dependable, and efficient,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will help keep travelers and airport workers safe by improving training for airport vehicle operators and modernizing technology to prevent runway collisions.”

“Safety on the ground is as important as safety in the skies,” said Sen. Wicker. “This bill would help equip ground crews with more tools to keep passengers safe in Mississippi and throughout the country.”

“As air travel continues to reach record highs, every traveler should feel confident they’ll reach their destination safely,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester. “The devastating crash at LaGuardia Airport earlier this year makes clear that we must do more. I’m proud to support the Runway SAFE-T Act to increase investments in airport logistics, training, and technology that will keep travelers safe on the ground and in the sky.”

“Safety has always been the top priority with air travel, and Americans should have confidence in our aviation industry,” said Sen. Fischer. “This bipartisan legislation gives our airports and workers what they need to maintain safe travel experiences on the ground and in the sky.”

“American airports should be the gold standard in passenger and airport worker safety,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill gives hardworking airport staff the tools they need to keep everyone safe. I’ll continue working across the aisle to ensure that the busiest airports in the country – including the Harry Reid and Reno-Tahoe Airports – can provide a safe travel experience.”

“As the birthplace of aviation, it’s critical we take commonsense measures to ensure America’s airports, runways, and airspace remain the safest in the world,” said Sen. Sheehy. “Every close call is a warning we can’t ignore, and this bipartisan bill will ensure airport personnel receive the training and technology necessary to keep travelers safe.”

“Common sense tells us you don’t ignore warning signs. Congress should not wait for another preventable tragedy before acting. The Runway SAFE-T Act will help give our airports the training and technology they need to keep passengers and airport workers safe,” said Sen. Kennedy.

On June 23, Sen. Moran chaired a subcommittee hearing to examine recent close calls in the national airspace system, as well as efforts to improve aviation safety, where he highlighted that he would soon be introducing the Runway SAFE-T Act to help address challenges raised during the hearing.

Specifically, the Runway SAFE-T Act would:

Establish a task force to improve airport driver training that is comprised of airport organizations, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designees, individuals familiar with aviation training technologies, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), emergency rescue aircraft organizations, airport vehicle operators and any individuals deemed appropriate by the FAA Administrator.

The task force would make recommendations to the FAA Administrator regarding best practices for the operation of ground vehicles, including improved training programs and training technologies. After one year, the task force would compile a report with the recommendations.

Utilize existing federal resources from the FAA’s Airport Safety and Resilient Infrastructure Discretionary Program to be used on technology and training to improve safe operations of ground vehicles.

The resources would prioritize projects designed to support runway operational safety by reducing vehicle runway incursions and other surface safety incidents, as well as to improve situational awareness for ground vehicle operators in the movement area.

"ACI-NA appreciates Senator Moran's leadership in advancing the Runway SAFE-T Act, important legislation to improve runway safety at airports nationwide,” said Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO, Airports Council International–North America. “The bill would bring together a diverse group of stakeholders — including airport industry representatives — to enhance driver training programs, with a focus on consistency, recurrent training, and new technologies. It would also help airports deploy technology to reduce vehicle-related surface incidents and improve situational awareness. ACI-NA urges Congress to swiftly pass the bill to better protect passengers, airport workers, and the traveling public."

“As strong proponents of utilizing training and technology to improve aviation safety, GAMA applauds Senator Moran's leadership on the Runway SAFE-T Act and supports its introduction,” said James Viola, President and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “This legislation will assist in facilitating a stronger aviation safety culture by identifying effective training methods and programs, where improvements in practices can be made, as well supporting targeted funding to upgrade airport safety technologies to prevent runway incursions and other surface incidents.”

"A single runway incursion is one too many. The Runway Surface Awareness and Focused, Effective Training and Technology Act (Runway SAFE-T Act) recognizes that protecting the flying public and the aviation professionals who need to access runways requires investing in people, technology and training that keeps the United States National Airspace System safe,” said Dave Spero, National President, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS). “FAA employees are on the front lines of that mission every day. PASS supports efforts that provide them with the tools, staffing and resources needed to prevent accidents. There are no shortcuts to safety.”

“AMOA appreciates Senator Moran's leadership in advancing this legislation and his commitment to improving airport surface safety. We also appreciate that the bill recognizes the important role of air medical operators by including their representatives on the FAA task force established to improve airport driver training and surface safety.” – Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA)

The Runway SAFE-T Act is also supported by the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), AFL-CIO, Brotherhood of Teamsters and Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS).

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

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At Budget Hearing, Senator Murray Slams Republicans for Sham Hearing on Medicaid Fraud, After They Made the Largest Cuts to Medicaid in History

Murray: “Chairman Johnson has said repeatedly he believes Social Security is a Ponzi scheme… I am going to keep fighting to save Social Security and protect healthcare for Americans. Now, and long into the future.”

Johnson: “I’ve said it’s a legal Ponzi scheme, which is exactly what it is. I mean, take a look at what a Ponzi scheme is. That’s what Social Security is.”

Murray: “Seems to me like the biggest Medicaid theft didn’t happen in a billing office somewhere, it actually happened last year, right here in the United States Capitol, when Republicans passed Trump’s Big Ugly bill.”

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Budget Committee hearing on Medicaid, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Budget Committee, slammed Republicans’ sham hearing on Medicaid fraud. Senator Murray called out Trump for pardoning criminals convicted of Medicaid fraud and Republicans who voted to slash Medicaid to give tax cuts to billionaires last year in Trump’s Big Ugly Bill.

[MEDICAID FRAUD HYPOCRISY]

Senator Murray began by asking Jonathan Ingram, Vice President of Policy and Research at the Foundation for Government Accountability, about how Trump and Republicans’ say they want to crack down on Medicaid fraud; meanwhile Trump has actually pardoned criminals convicted of Medicaid fraud.

MURRAY: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think we can all agree can we do need to crack down on fraud, especially in a program like Medicaid that so many Americans really rely on.

So, Mr. Ingram, let me just ask you: Yes or no? You agree that we need to be cracking down on Medicaid fraud, not letting criminals off the hook, yes?

INGRAM: Yes.

MURRAY: Thank you. So, I hope my Republican colleagues will use some part of this hearing to condemn President Trump for pardoning criminals who were convicted of major Medicaid fraud. Trump pardoned five former executives from Florida who committed serious Medicaid fraud to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. That is pretty bad.

Following what was dubbed “the largest health care fraud scheme charged by the U.S. Justice Department”—valued at over $1 billion in Medicare and Medicaid fraud—Trump commuted the 20-year sentence of a Florida nursing home and assisted living facility executive. So that’s even worse.

So, look, I’m all for a major crackdown on fraud—I think we all are, but it looks like we’ve got some pretty good leads starting in the White House.

[REPUBLICAN MEDICAID CUTS]

Senator Murray continued by asking Andy Schneider, Research Professor of the Practice at the Center for Children and Families in the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, about how Trump’s Big Ugly Bill made the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history and kicked thousands of Americans off their health insurance, all to give massive tax breaks to billionaires.

MURRAY: Mr. Schneider, I want to turn to you. What single piece of legislation delivered the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history?

SCHNEIDER: Last year’s budget reconciliation bill.

MURRAY: Yep. Just so everybody knows: Republicans’ “Big, Ugly Bill” passed more than $1 trillion in health care cuts, mostly to Medicaid.

Mr. Schneider, how much in tax breaks for the top one percent did Trump’s bill contain?

SCHNEIDER: Approximately $1 trillion.

MURRAY: $1 trillion dollars, in tax cuts, to the top one percent.

Mr. Schneider, how many Americans are losing health care because of Trump’s Big Ugly Bill?

SCHNEIDER: So, in terms of the Medicaid cuts, the latest estimates are approximately 11 million.

MURRAY: 11 million.

So, zero billionaires lose their health care—they do get a trillion in tax cuts and then over fifteen million Americans—including the extended ACA tax credits—lose their health care thanks to Republicans passing $1 trillion in cuts for regular, working class people.

That is the math, and that is out-and-out grift. So it seems to me like the biggest Medicaid theft didn’t happen in a billing office somewhere, it actually happened last year, right here in the United States Capitol, when Republicans passed Trump’s Big Ugly bill.

[CLOSING REMARKS]

During Senator Murray’s closing remarks, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), doubled down on his stance on Social Security and called it a “legal Ponzi scheme.”

MURRAY: So Mr. Chairman, let me just say, I find it pretty astounding that Republicans are holding an entire Senate hearing on “fraud” in Medicaid, but they don’t seem to have anything to say about the “fraud” coming out of the White House. I mean look at the crypto schemes, and the foreign gifts—that is easily the most corrupt White House in American history—President Trump pardoned convicted criminals who committed Medicaid fraud! This is outrageous to me, and it is what we should be talking about.

But I also want to note a really big difference in terms of values and beliefs right now. Because I am here—and I know my colleagues on this side are—to fight for our safety net programs. But my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are not with me in that fight.

Chairman Johnson has said repeatedly he believes Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme. Last week, another Republican Senator was on the floor saying Social Security is a “scam.”

So, I wanted to make really clear at this hearing, I could not disagree more strongly, Mr. Chairman. Social Security is a program that millions of hardworking Americans have paid into their entire lives. So Republicans might want to cut benefits, or privatize Social Security, but I want you to know I am going to keep fighting to save Social Security and protect healthcare for Americans. Now, and long into the future.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

JOHNSON: To correct the record, I’ve said it’s a legal Ponzi scheme, which is exactly what it is. I mean, take a look at what a Ponzi scheme is. That’s what Social Security is. It’s been horribly mismanaged. Those funds were not invested in something that’s of value to the federal government—government bonds. I’m happy to—and we’ll probably hold a hearing on this, and I’ll prove the case—but it’s a legal Ponzi scheme, and that’s quite honestly indisputable.

MURRAY: Mr. Chairman, to respond.

And welcome to the chairmanship, but I find that you are turning this into a debate committee, not a budget committee. That’s fine, but let me just respond—

JOHNSON: I think it’s important that the American people see a civil exchange but go ahead.

MURRAY: You have a right as a chair, but I will respond: Americans pay for their Social Security. They pay into it for their lifetimes, and they deserve to know it’s going to be there in the future. That’s what we’re focused on.

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Senator Murray Remarks on Averting Shutdown & Democrats’ Fight to Deliver for Families in Spending Bills

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks at the Senate Democratic leadership press conference on the Senate advancing the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR), which extends government funding through December 11.

Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:

“Well, as last night’s vote made clear: no one wants a shutdown. It is a good thing we were able to come together to produce a reasonable CR that addresses some key problems with the CR that the House Republicans passed and that will give us the runway we need to reach a bipartisan agreement on funding levels—and then negotiate the bills for the coming year.

“The bill closes the loophole in the Republicans’ bill, which would have allowed funding to be transferred to the Border Patrol. No reforms; no new money—it’s that simple.

“The CR also adds important language to extend authorization for key programs and ensures there is enough funding to—for example—make sure low-income seniors have food on their tables.

“It rejects the wish list President Trump requested for the Pentagon. There’s no funding for so-called ‘Trump-class’ battleships, for example, and this bill does nothing to fulfill his $70 billion request to bankroll his disastrous Iran war.

“Thanks to Democrats, this bill will block OMB’s corrupt new grants rule from taking effect for the duration of the CR. What Trump and Russ Vought want is the ability to take every federal grant in America hostage. They are not interested in making our tax dollars work better—they just want them to work for Donald Trump. Cancer research, bridges, hospitals—under [this] rule, a Trump appointee could decide to strip funding for almost anything. No cause. No notice. No appeal.

“So, Democrats said no way. Every single Senate Democrat joined me in demanding OMB withdraw the rule.

“Today, it is on ice. I did try to stop this rule outright in the negotiations, but my Republican colleagues wouldn’t agree to do that. This rule is delayed; it is not dead—I absolutely intend to kill it.

“Republicans also rejected our efforts to prevent Russ Vought from attempting an illegal ‘pocket rescission’—protecting Congress’ constitutional power of the purse, as well as our push to extend the critical advanced appropriations provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will expire on October 1.

“So this isn’t the end— we’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’m going to keep pushing.

“And the CR we overwhelmingly voted to advance last night will allow us to keep the government funded while those conversations continue. Because make no mistake: we have a lot of work ahead of us to do.

“When it comes to this year’s spending bills, Democrats have one north star: making life affordable again. This president—and Republicans—have other ideas.

“Trump wants a $1.5 trillion war budget and cuts to domestic programs. Senate Republicans are doing their darnedest to meet the president’s request. So far, they have proposed an absolutely massive increase for the Pentagon with offers that would provide over four new defense dollars for every new dollar invested in our communities here at home.

“Senate Democrats have made it very clear that is not going to fly.

“So, I’m ready, as ever, to use the time this CR provides to reach a reasonable bipartisan topline funding agreement which will allow us to negotiate strong bipartisan funding bills. That is our job. It is what our families back home expect of us. I’m ready to get it done.”

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Senator Murray Vows to Get Spokane and WA Federal Resources for Wildfire Response and Recovery

Murray: “To every family in Spokane and across Eastern Washington who has lost a home, or a business, or a lifetime of memories—hear me: I promise you—I am with you, today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes to rebuild.”

Murray: “There is not a single dollar I won’t pursue if it means helping Spokane and communities across the state as they rebuild from these devastating fires. Whatever it takes—for as long as it takes.“

ICYMI: Senator Murray Leads Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Wildfires in Spokane

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the senate floor about the devastating wildfires sweeping through Spokane, Central, and Eastern Washington state, Senator Murray reinforced her commitment to ensuring Spokane and the rest of the state have the federal resources necessary to rebuild and recover after the fires.

Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:

“M. President, I rise today with a very heavy heart because right now, huge swaths of my state are being confronted by some of the worst fires that we have ever seen.

“This weekend, three fast-moving wildfires exploded across Spokane County. In a matter of hours, entire neighborhoods were told: ‘Leave now. This may be your only notice.’

“Over sixty-five thousand people I represent have been forced to evacuate their homes. At least seven hundred homes, businesses, and buildings have been destroyed already. Families are sleeping in the Spokane Convention Center tonight, not knowing whether they even still have a home to go back to. And as of this morning, these fires are still not contained.

“The photos and videos tell a story: Houses reduced to ash. Families embracing outside the burned remains of what they once called a home. It is heartbreaking. Smoke so thick over Spokane that the air itself has become a health hazard.

“To every family in Spokane and across Eastern Washington who has lost a home, or a business, or a lifetime of memories—hear me: I promise you—I am with you, today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes to rebuild.

“And amid this devastation, M. President, I also want this chamber to hear about the extraordinary courage on display in my state right now. Within hours of the evacuation orders, neighbors were opening their doors to strangers. Families who had room to spare simply said: come stay with us. Volunteers worked through the night at the convention center—handing out blankets, serving hot meals, sitting with frightened kids. Local restaurants showed up with food for evacuees and for the fire crews who were coming off the line. Churches and community groups collected clothes, diapers, pet food—whatever people needed, someone in Spokane found a way to provide it.

“Firefighters have been on the lines around the clock—in brutal heat, against dangerous winds. Local fire crews. Crew from across the state. The Washington National Guard, all mobilized within hours. Incident management teams and firefighters who actually came from out of state—all the way from Florida to Alaska. There are even firefighters from Australia and New Zealand!

“Because of them, because of the sheriff’s deputies and police officers who went door to door to get people out, because of the emergency managers and dispatchers and shelter volunteers, tens of thousands of people got to safety. These are real life heroes. And on behalf of the people of Washington state: thank you.

“But M. President, gratitude is not enough. The people of Spokane need action—and they deserve to know their government has their back. So, here’s where things stand as I see them:

“Our firefighters must have every resource they need to contain these fires—every aircraft, every bit of equipment, every dollar. So far, our state has gotten the resources we need from the federal government and I deeply appreciate that. That’s how it should be. Yesterday, I led our Congressional delegation in urging the President to approve the Governor’s request for an expedited emergency declaration—the President has approved part of that request. That’s good, and I’ll be watching closely to ensure the full request is approved.

“The next few days will no doubt be difficult as local fire crews do their best to try and contain these fires.

“Looking ahead, it’s important to say Spokane’s recovery will not be measured in days or weeks—it will be measured in months and years. Rebuilding homes, rebuilding businesses, it will take a long time, and it will not be easy.

“But as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I want the people of Eastern Washington to know they have a voice in the United States Senate who will speak up for Spokane. I am not someone who will simply write letters to this administration asking for support.

“I help write the bills that fund the government—across every department and every federal program—and I will make sure Spokane’s recovery is a priority at every opportunity. There is not a single dollar I won’t pursue if it means helping Spokane and communities across the state as they rebuild from these devastating fires. Whatever it takes—for as long as it takes.

“So, M. President, Spokane has been hurt—and is being badly hurt by these fires. But Spokane is not broken. A community that takes care of each other in the way we’ve seen cannot be broken. Spokane will rebuild. Eastern Washington will recover. And I will be standing with them every single step of the way.

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Sen. Ossoff Calls on Trump Administration to Improve Access to Maternal Care in Georgia

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is calling on the Trump Administration to improve access to maternal care in Georgia.

Today, Sen. Ossoff is demanding answers from Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General found that the three largest health insurance companies have inaccurate Medicaid Managed Care provider directories.

The independent HHS OIG report found that these directories included some maternal health providers that were not actually in-network, listed incorrect contact information for some in-network providers, and were missing some in-network providers altogether.

These “ghost providers” make it difficult for more than 1.5 million Georgians enrolled in a Medicaid Managed Care plan to find an in-network provider and risk further delays for those who need access to crucial prenatal and postpartum care.

“For pregnant women, time is of the essence to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. It is critical that they be able to find a provider that is in-network and available near them to receive timely prenatal care. I urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to take immediate action to ensure states and Medicaid MCO plans have accurate provider directories, especially for patients seeking prenatal and postpartum care,” Sen. Ossoff wrote to Administrator Oz.

Sen. Ossoff continues working to strengthen health care for Georgia mothers and children.

This year, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver $476,000 in Federal funding to help Emory University purchase equipment for the NICU at Emory Decatur Hospital and to deliver $1,581,000 in Federal funding to help SGMC Health purchase medical equipment to expand access to maternal and infant care for families across South Georgia through their new Women and Infants Tower.

In April, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the Social Determinants for Moms Act to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce the maternal mortality rate in Georgia and across the country.

In May 2025, Sen. Ossoff released new findings from his investigation into the impacts of Georgia’s 6-week abortion ban, in which Georgia OBGYNs revealed they had personally encountered cases in which Georgia’s six-week abortion ban contributed to a health complication or death of the mother.

Last March, Sen. Ossoff and other members of Congress demanded the Trump Administration provide answers on the reported shutdown of a critical Maternal Health data system at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Last February, Sen. Ossoff introduced an amendment to protect children’s and maternal health care through Medicaid that Senate Republicans blocked.

In 2024, Sen. Ossoff launched a push to pass the MOMS Who Serve Act of 2024, legislation he co-sponsored to help moms in the armed forces access perinatal health care services.

Also in 2024, as Chair of the Senate Human Rights Subcommittee, Sen. Ossoff convened two public hearings at which Georgia women and Georgia OBGYNs testified to the harmful impacts of Georgia’s abortion ban.

Click here to read Sen. Ossoff’s inquiry.

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Padilla Introduces Legislation to Ban Trump from Selling Inside Access to his Presidential Announcements

Trump Media Group began providing financial traders exclusive access to Trump’s Truth Social posts for $100,000 per month starting August 1st

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced the Stop Corrupt Trading Act, legislation to prohibit any President or Vice President, and any entity in which they hold a substantial financial interest, from selling advance or exclusive access to the President’s official or personal social media statements.

On August 1, Trump Media — of which the President owns more than 50% — launched a new scheme offering paying subscribers early access to Trump’s social media posts for $100,000 per month. Trump’s social media posts often generate market-moving information, especially his posts about his next moves in the unauthorized Iran war have great potential to sway financial markets – and thus generate insider trading profits for those who pay up.

One financial professional estimated that about 100 high frequency trading firms may pay for the service, which would then net Trump Media $120 million per year while Trump is in office.

“This is out in the open – Donald Trump is the most corrupt President in American history. Despite already being the richest president in history, President Trump’s number one priority in office is to make himself richer while everyday Americans struggle to make ends meet,” said Senator Padilla. “Selling access to his market-moving social media posts is just one example of the brazen corruption we’ve seen coming out of the Oval Office – and I am fighting back to put a stop to it. Americans deserve a government that works for them, not one that’s for sale to hedge funds and Wall Street banks that can afford the subscription fee.”

Specifically, the legislation would:

Ban the President, Vice President, and related entities – including partnerships or companies with members of their family – from selling nonpublic information, which is explicitly defined to include “application programming interface” (API) data feeds that provide presidential information in ways that are not available for the general public. Penalties are up to two times the profit from the transaction and/or 5 years in prison.

Ban any third-party entity from purchasing any such nonpublic information, including exclusive data feeds, as defined in the legislation. Penalties for buyers are set at up to two times the profit gained from the transaction.

Toll the statute of limitations for conduct while a president is in office and provides for a civil right of action for disgorgement to get ill-gotten gains back for the American people.

In addition to Padilla, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Trump is openly selling preferential access to his presidential statements on Truth Social—trading insider information to benefit himself and his billionaire cronies. The Stop Corrupt Trading Act blocks the President’s latest self-enrichment scheme and install guardrails to prevent the future sale of nonpublic information and insider access to the White House. While every day Americans are struggling with rising costs and the consequences of Trump’s chaotic Administration, this legislation is needed to hold the President accountable and curtail his corruption,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“President Trump is brazenly using the power of the presidency to enrich himself and give his well-connected cronies an unfair advantage over the American people,” Senator Peters said. “No elected official should be able to sell early access to market-moving information for their own profit—much less the President of the United States. This is corruption in plain sight, and Congress has a responsibility to stop it. The Stop Corrupt Trading Act would establish real consequences for selling nonpublic government information and shut down this kind of presidential profiteering.”

The legislation is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, Common Cause, Democracy Defenders Action, Defend the Vote Action Fund, End Citizens United, and Protect Democracy.

“President Trump has developed yet another scheme to personally profit off of his office, this time by selling early access to his Truth Social posts. This money-making ploy is yet another way in which the president is making the American economy a pay-to-play system,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at CREW. “We applaud Senator Padilla for introducing the Stop Corrupt Trading Act, which prohibits this blatant corruption, and we call on Congress to work together to ensure that our government is not for sale.”

“Senator Padilla’s Stop Corrupt Trading Act is a necessary reaction to the extreme corruption of Donald Trump’s out-of-control executive branch,” said Lisa Gilber, Co-President of Public Citizen. “There are many examples of outrageous grift from this president, but the idea of selling early access to insider information via Truth Social is particularly abhorrent and must be stopped. We applaud the Senator for pushing back on this unethical behavior.”

“President Trump’s decision to sell his social media posts to special interests before the general public sees them is insider trading on steroids and cannot be allowed,” said Abigail Bellows, Common Cause Senior Policy Director for Anticorruption and Accountability. “That’s why we support the Stop Corrupt Trading Act, which would ban the president from making money off non-public information and help restore public trust.”

Senator Padilla has fought back against the Trump Administration’s corruption. Last week, Padilla joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in introducing the Anti-Corruption Bureau Creation Act, legislation that would establish a private right of action for the public and state Attorneys General to sue for recoveries and forfeitures from certain federal officials, including the President and Vice President, to get Americans money back that’s been taken by corruption. The Senators announced the legislation at the Public Citizen “Combatting Corruption” forum. Last month, Padilla and Schumer launched a new Senate Democratic anti-corruption initiative to expose how Trump’s rampant self-dealing is costing American families and to develop legislation that would prevent future Presidents from using public office for personal profit. Padilla also led efforts to kill the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) “anti-weaponization” slush fund, and introduced the No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act to prohibit use of federal funds to financially award them. Last year, Padilla demanded an independent investigation by the DOJ’s Inspector General into the Attorney General and the Department of Justice’s involvement in President Trump’s unconstitutional acquisition of a $400 million luxury plane from the Qatari government.

Full text of the bill is available here.

A one pager on the bill is available here.

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WATCH: Padilla: “Todd Blanche Is Not Fit” to Serve as Attorney General

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, slammed President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney General, Todd Blanche, during the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote on Blanche’s nomination. Padilla made clear that Blanche is utterly unfit to be U.S. Attorney General given his failure to prioritize the interests of the American people and the rule of law over President Trump’s personal whims and demands.

In his remarks, Padilla raised significant concerns regarding Blanche’s nomination hearing, in which Blanche admitted he was Trump’s lawyer, before correcting himself. Padilla also detailed Blanche’s refusal to commit to preserving the DOJ’s independence from political interference, including any political influence from Trump.

“The Attorney General isn’t supposed to be the President’s lawyer. The Attorney General is supposed to be the country’s lawyer,” said Senator Padilla. “When I asked Mr. Blanche whether the Department of Justice has an obligation to remain independent from improper political influence, including influence by the President, he refused to say yes.”

Padilla also underscored Blanche’s failure to hold the Trump Administration accountable for violations of the law, including the Department of Homeland Security’s killings of U.S. citizens and noncitizens, and highlighted Blanche’s apparent willingness to help Trump financially reward January 6 rioters using taxpayer funds.

“Mr. Blanche has shown little interest in ensuring that federal officials themselves are held accountable when they violate the law, including, but not limited to the Department of Homeland Security. He basically stated that his belief is that the Department should investigate and police themselves,” continued Senator Padilla. “They’re clearly incapable of doing so. Federal agents shooting innocent civilians, killing United States citizens in the streets of our country, detainees dying in record numbers in detention centers that are violating the standards that they’re supposed to maintain. So it’s clear that under Todd Blanche, the primary job of the Justice Department will be to do things like defend all options to reward January 6 rioters who attacked the United States Capitol and violently assaulted police officers. To ensure immunity for the President and his family for tax crimes.”

Padilla warned that under Blanche, the Department of Justice would continue to enable Trump’s corruption and concluded by urging his colleagues to oppose Blanche’s nomination.

“This is not equal justice under the law,” concluded Senator Padilla. “This is not the Department of Justice the way it’s supposed to be. This is not an Attorney General that the American people deserve. Our country deserves better. Todd Blanche is not fit, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this nomination.”

A majority of the committee nevertheless voted to advance Blanche’s nomination to the full Senate with all Republicans voting in favor of Blanche and all Democrats voting in opposition.

Padilla has consistently fought to hold Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) accountable. Last month, Padilla questioned Blanche during a Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing, demanding answers about the anti-weaponization fund and allegiance to Trump. Additionally, Padilla, along with Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), led fourteen Senators in urging Blanche and the DOJ to halt any efforts to compensate January 6 rioters and commit to defending taxpayers in any January 6-related lawsuits. In May, Padilla slammed Blanche for establishing the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” slush fund and highlighted that the slush fund could be used to compensate or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists. Last year, Padilla voted against advancing Blanche for U.S. Deputy Attorney General and warned against nominating Trump’s allies who refuse to commit to upholding key constitutional provisions.

Video of Padilla’s remarks is available here.

Transcript of Padilla’s remarks is available below:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Colleagues, and members of the public. We’ve been hearing a lot about this tax immunity deal. We’ve heard about Todd Blanche’s mismanagement of the Epstein case and files. The evidence of Todd Blanche carrying out Trump’s political agenda of vindictiveness. And I’ll have my comments on that as well. But I want to bring us back to what it is that’s before us today.

150 years ago, Congress created the Department of Justice and entrusted the Attorney General with the simple but profound responsibility to serve as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer. Let me repeat that: to serve as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer. Not the President’s lawyer, the American people’s lawyer. And even today, go to the Department’s website. Its own mission statement lists “independence and impartiality” as its first core value. It says the Department must follow “the facts and the law wherever they may lead, without prejudice or improper influence.” 150 years ago, we created the Department of Justice. It exists today with these mission statements and core values. That’s the standard. And by that standard, Todd Blanche fails.

During the confirmation hearing, Mr. Blanche was asked whether he and Donald Trump were friends. Remember his response? He said, “I’m his lawyer.” And then he tried to correct himself by saying, “Was his lawyer.” That’s a remarkable slip for someone seeking to become Attorney General of the United States. And colleagues, we know he spent hours and hours over the course of days preparing for the hearing, and yet the first words out of his mouth when asked that question was, “I’m his lawyer.”

The Attorney General isn’t supposed to be the President’s lawyer. The Attorney General is supposed to be the country’s lawyer. And if you recall, when I asked Mr. Blanche whether the Department of Justice has an obligation to remain independent from improper political influence, including influence by the President, he refused to say yes. He tried to justify—the Department’s part of the executive branch, and he’s a member of the cabinet. And the President’s agenda, the President’s fixations and obsessions, is what he follows. It suggests he sees no problem with the President directing federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute his perceived political enemies. It’s not hypothetical. We’ve seen investigations into former FBI director James Comey, into New York Attorney General Letitia James, into former CIA director John Brennan, into our colleagues, both on committee, Senator Schiff, and not in this committee, Senator Kelly, and more.

At the same time, Mr. Blanche has shown little interest in ensuring that federal officials themselves are held accountable when they violate the law, including, but not limited to the Department of Homeland Security. He basically stated that his belief is that the Department should investigate and police themselves. Remember, I asked him about this. They’re clearly incapable of doing so. Federal agents shooting innocent civilians, killing United States citizens in the streets of our country, detainees dying in record numbers in detention centers that are violating the standards that they’re supposed to maintain.

So it’s clear that under Todd Blanche, the primary job of the Justice Department will be to do things like defend all options to reward January 6 rioters who attacked the United States Capitol and violently assaulted police officers. To ensure immunity for the President and his family for tax crimes. And no, even with this so-called deal, that hasn’t changed. Under the supposed deal, Mr. Blanche isn’t prevented from creating a new anti-weaponization fund tomorrow by some other name. It does not prevent Mr. Blanche from using taxpayer funds to reward January 6 rioters. It does not prohibit Donald Trump and his sons from receiving immunity for their tax crimes. To me, this doesn’t seem like a deal at all.

But ultimately, it does nothing to address the real, fundamental root problem: the Department of Justice with no independence. A Department that enables corruption, corruption that it should be prosecuting. A Department that rewards people who violently stormed the Capitol and assaulted law enforcement. What message does that send to supporters of the President after the next presidential election, when we try to certify future results? All this while the Administration is ignoring the true plight of working families across the country, who feel not just burdened but buried by the increased costs. What does that say to crime victims across the country, survivors of sex trafficking? What does that say to the families of those who have lost their lives at the hands of federal agents? And agents face no accountability.

This is not equal justice under the law. This is not the Department of Justice the way it’s supposed to be. This is not an Attorney General that the American people deserve. Our country deserves better. Todd Blanche is not fit, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this nomination.

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Sen. Rick Scott Discusses Protecting Medicaid, Closing Fraud Loopholes at Budget Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott joined a Senate Budget Committee hearing focused on protecting Medicaid from waste, fraud, and abuse.

During the hearing, Senator Scott questioned witnesses Dr. Brian Blase, President of Paragon Health Institute, and Jonathan Ingram, VP of Policy and Research at the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), about how fraudsters are able to abuse the public trust to enrich themselves through Medicaid loopholes – and how some states are even fleecing the federal government in the process.

To watch Sen. Scott’s full line of questions, click HERE.

HIGHLIGHTS

FRAUD AND STATE RESPONSIBILITY:

SEN. SCOTT: “When you think about it, the federal government’s goal was to take care of, especially the pregnant women, kids, the disabled. The states have lost focus because there’s so much money and the providers have lost— because there’s so much money here for the able-bodied adults.”

DR. BLASE: “The federal government is encouraging states to discriminate against the most vulnerable. The most problematic [provider taxes] are where you get a local health facility that transfers money to the state. The state then uses that as its payment back to the facility and then leverages the federal dollars. So, it’s a way for states to use the Medicaid financing system to benefit the governmental providers at the expense of the taxpayer… In California… they’ll pay the government ambulance providers more than three times what they pay the private ambulance providers through the Medicaid program.”

THE MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT PROGRAM:

MR. INGRAM: “[Fraud is] not a new problem; it’s been going on for years. It definitely worsened under President Biden. States are getting more funding from taxpayers than ever for these [investigative] units and getting worse results. Investigations are down, indictments are down, convictions are down, recoveries are down… This is a longstanding problem, and nobody really seemed to care about it until President Trump.”

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Rosen, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Overturn Law Establishing Yucca Mountain As Nuclear Waste Repository, Consider New Uses for Site

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced a bill to ensure Yucca Mountain will never be used as a repository for nuclear waste and require the U.S. government to consider other uses for Yucca Mountain that would create jobs and stimulate Nevada’s economy. The Jobs, Not Waste Act would repeal the law that established Yucca Mountain as a repository for nuclear waste, require the Department of Energy (DOE) to withdraw and terminate the licensing proceeding for Yucca Mountain at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, require DOE to reclaim and mitigate any adverse environmental impacts to the site, and require the Office of Management and Budget to conduct and submit a study to determine the viability and benefits of other uses for the site. This bill comes following the Trump Administration’s proposal to scrap Yucca Mountain as the nation’s sole nuclear waste repository and instead allow states to willingly host such facilities.

“Nevadans have always been clear that we will not allow nuclear waste to be stored at Yucca Mountain – and that any proposal to establish a nuclear waste repository needs to be centered on the consent of the surrounding community,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m encouraged by the recent proposal from the Trump Administration that acknowledges Yucca Mountain is not an option for nuclear waste storage, which is why I hope they will support this legislation to ensure Yucca remains dead. We have an opportunity to consider the benefits of other uses for the Yucca Mountain site to create jobs for Nevadans and grow our economy.”

“Nevadans have been clear from the beginning that our state cannot and will not house the nation’s nuclear waste,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “While I welcome the Trump administration’s recent move to leave the unworkable Yucca Mountain proposal behind, we cannot take anything for granted. It’s time to pass our Jobs, Not Waste Act to explore other uses for the Yucca site and allow states who want to store nuclear waste to do so.”

Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have been leading the fight against storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. During the first Trump Administration, they were part of successful efforts to stop the Administration’s attempts to restart the Yucca Mountain licensing process by preventing funds for the failed site from being included in every final appropriations bill. At the beginning of this Congress, Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto introduced a bill to guarantee state, tribal, and local officials are given a meaningful voice in the decision-making process when a nuclear waste repository is proposed in their community.

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Rounds Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Cyber Operations in Indo-Pacific Region

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) today introduced legislation to close strategy and resource gaps in the Department of War’s cyber cooperation activities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific Cyber Cooperation Strategy would require the Office of the Secretary of War and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to institutionalize cyber cooperation between DOW and the United States’ allies in the region.

“Modern warfare is now fought in five domains: air, land, sea, space and cyberspace,” said Rounds. “As our cyber capabilities continue to advance, so do those of our adversaries. As China grows increasingly capable in the cyber domain, the United States must leverage the capacity of our partners and allies, who are crucial for securing a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our legislation would require the Department of War to close any existing cyber operations gaps that exist between our nation and our allies in the Indo-Pacific Region.”

“Cybersecurity is key to a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthening our national security and keeping us all safe,” said Duckworth. “As a Pacific nation, we must ensure we’re strategically engaging with our regional partners across all fronts to make sure they can protect critical infrastructure and effectively operate in cyberspace. Our bipartisan bill would enhance American cyber cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies and partners to better protect our economy and security from shared adversaries and hostile actors.”

Click HERE for full bill text.

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