Murkowski, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Increase Access to High Quality Health Care In Remote And Rural Areas

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Reauthorization Act, which will increase access to high-quality health care in hard-to-reach areas. The bill reauthorizes funding for an innovative medical education program that deploys interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural areas, helping rural and remote communities access the health care services they otherwise would not be able to receive.

"In rural Alaska, you have to improvise. That's why I'm always interested in innovations that help our communities adapt to the realities on the ground. The ECHO training model has a proven track record of improving health outcomes by helping rural providers access specialized expertise, strengthening the quality of care, increasing provider retention, and reducing the need for patients to travel for specialty care,” said Senator Murkowski. “I'm proud to help the University of Alaska, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and other healthcare providers continue expanding this innovative model that lowers costs and improves care for Alaskans, wherever they live."

The ECHO program grants will continue to be used for:

Equipment to support the use and expansion of the models, including for the secure exchange of electronic health information;

Support for health care providers that provide services under these models;

Instructional programming and training; and

Information collection and evaluation activities to study the impact of such models.


On Senate Floor, Senator Murray Urges Trump Administration to Support Expedited Emergency Declaration for Spokane Wildfires

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, following remarks urging passage of the bipartisan short-term funding bill introduced yesterday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, briefly spoke on the senate floor about the devastating wildfires sweeping through the Spokane region in Washington state, and urged Trump to approve the Expedited Emergency Declaration for Central and Eastern Washington state.

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

“Finally, I cannot come to the Senate floor without acknowledging the heartbreaking devastation we are seeing in Spokane and across Eastern Washington.

“My heart is with everyone who is affected by these horrific fires, and please know I will keep doing all I can to ensure the federal government steps up.

“This short-term funding bill importantly includes flexibilities for the Disaster Relief Fund, so it can serve our communities in need during the CR.

“I am glad that FEMA has so far approved the F-MAG requests our local officials have made as they are fighting these wildfires. And last night, our Governor made a formal request to the President for an expedited emergency declaration.

“I am leading our entire congressional delegation—Democrats and Republicans—in urging the President to approve that request immediately.

“And I do want to say how grateful I am to the fire crews and first responders who are working around the clock to save lives and property. And how inspired I am by the way the Spokane community has come together to support those who have lost their homes or are under evacuation orders.

“I will have far more to say on this crisis, but let me close with this: as the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and a voice for Spokane here in the United States Senate, I will do everything in my power to make certain Eastern Washington gets every cent they need to fight these fires, and to rebuild and recover over the long-term.”

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Senator Murray Floor Remarks on Bipartisan CR

ICYMI: Senator Murray on Release of CR Text

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the first procedural vote on the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) released on Sunday, which extends government funding through December 11.

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

“M. President, we have our work cut out for us as we work to fund the government for the coming fiscal year.

“As costs for our families go up and up and up, the president wants a $1.5 trillion war budget, and he wants to cut programs working people depend on to pay for it. No, no way.

“And as his disastrous war with Iran rages on, Trump is even asking for another $70 billion on top of that to bankroll the war. It is really hard to imagine more backward funding priorities—especially as so many families are struggling and being hurt by Republicans’ cuts to health care and food aid.

“Congress is not an ATM to fund Trump’s disastrous wars abroad. So, as I’ve said many times, we need to rip up the president’s budget and write an entirely new one.

“I’ve been clear from the very start that we absolutely must prioritize helping families and lowering costs as we do that. That means rejecting the president’s astronomical defense request and instead delivering significantly more funding for our nondefense budget, so that we can invest in helping people here at home.

“Now, it’s clear that we will definitely need more time to get this done and reach bipartisan agreement on funding levels—just as we have done in the Senate over the last three years—which then allows us to draft bipartisan bills for FY27.

“So, I am glad we were able to craft a bipartisan CR to keep the government funded and to make sure we can avert a shutdown that no one wants—while giving us time to reach bipartisan agreement on a topline and our funding bills.

“Two weeks ago, House Republicans sent us an incomplete CR with several major issues. It was critical that we addressed those issues in any CR—and that’s exactly what we have done.

“Perhaps most important, we closed a loophole in House Republicans’ CR that would have allowed the Trump administration to transfer funding provided for other programs to Border Patrol. That was a nonstarter. Until Republicans finally agree to enact desperately-needed reforms to ICE and Border Patrol, we cannot approve another cent for them.

“This new CR that we have written includes some really important extensions and language that House Republicans did not. That includes extensions of authorizations for important health, veterans, and infrastructure programs. And language to make sure that key housing programs and a program to help feed low-income seniors can continue serving Americans.

“This bill also rejects requests from President Trump for even more flexibility and funding for the Pentagon, including a billion dollars for ‘Trump-class’ battleships.

“And my Democratic colleagues and I pushed very hard and secured an important provision to prevent the Office of Management and Budget from implementing its corrupt new grants rule, which would require a Trump political appointee to sign off on every last federal grant and empower them to terminate any grant, at any point for any reason. This disastrous rule would put politics above science when determining, for example, what cancer research grants to fund. So, I am going to keep working to kill the [rule] outright as spending talks continue later this year.

“Unfortunately, Republicans would not take action in this bill to protect our constitutional power of the purse and prevent Russ Vought from attempting another illegal pocket rescission. Nor would they agree to our efforts to extend critical advanced appropriations for infrastructure, which were provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—that runs out on October 1.

“Make no mistake: I am going to keep fighting to get these common-sense priorities done in negotiations this fall. We do have a lot of work ahead, and this CR provides us a reasonable runway to get it done.

“I hope this CR sets us up to roll up our sleeves and focus on getting to a bipartisan topline, so we can then write good, bipartisan spending bills.

“So, for all those reasons, I will be voting yes tonight to advance this bipartisan bill.”

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

S-R: Wildfire leaves Northwest Spokane in a ‘war zone’

KXLY: “Thousands of people had to leave their homes as fires exploded in the Spokane area over the weekend. More than 700 structures have burned, many of them homes, while thousands of people are still not allowed back in their neighborhoods.”

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating wildfires sweeping through Central and Eastern Washington state.

On Saturday, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency and issued a statewide burn ban through September 30, 2026. The National Weather Service upgraded the Red Flag Warning on Saturday, to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is very rare and typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. The Spokane Area Fires consist of the Old Trails Fire burning in northwest Spokane, the Autumn Lane Fire burning near Nine Mile Falls, and the Fairview Fire burning in Mead. Over 700 structures have been lost in the fires so far and over 14,000 structures are threatened, 67,000 people have been evacuated, the three fires have burned over 8,000 acres combined and are still 0% contained, nearly 1,000 firefighters are battling fires in the Spokane area, and thousands of more people remain under a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation.

“Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. Dangerous conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely high temperatures, intensified existing fires and ignited new fires, the worst of which started in Spokane and Stevens Counties on Saturday, August 1. According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control,” wrote Senator Murray and the other members of the delegation.

Joining Senator Murray in the letter to President Trump were Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

“These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers,” the lawmakers continued. “Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.”

“While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need,” the lawmakers concluded.

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President,

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s August 2nd request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating wildfires raging in Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima Counties. In addition to the counties, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians are also listed in Washington’s expedited Emergency Declaration request. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.

Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. Dangerous conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely high temperatures, intensified existing fires and ignited new fires, the worst of which started in Spokane and Stevens Counties on Saturday, August 1. According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control.

These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers.

Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.

While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need. We appreciate your prompt attention to the state’s request.

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Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Demand Answers After Trump Administration Plans to Outsource Education Department’s Civil Rights Enforcement

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are demanding answers as the Trump Administration reportedly ends civil rights enforcement within the Department of Education.

Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock are demanding answers from Education Secretary Linda McMahon after reports the Trump Administration intends to outsource responsibilities of the Department of Education’s civil rights division to the Department of Justice (DOJ), leaving unanswered questions about the status of pending cases of potential civil rights abuses.

Under the new agreements between the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the DOJ, the Justice Department will take on civil rights enforcement, some of which includes “complaint investigation” and “resolution processes.”

This announcement follows the gutting of the Office for Civil Rights last year, when the Education Department closed a total of seven OCR offices across the nation, which impacted “nearly 60,000 public schools” and “over 30 million K-12 students.”

“We write with serious concerns regarding the Department of Education’s potential dereliction of its duty to ensure children in Georgia receive a quality education free from discrimination,” Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock wrote to Secretary McMahon. “Despite this responsibility, the Trump Administration has chosen to fire Department of Education staff and enter into interagency agreements to outsource the agency’s formal duties.”

“We have heard from constituents that have been harmed by these actions, and we are concerned this Department will continue to harm Georgia students. We demand that further action to dismantle the Department of Education be stopped,” Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock continued.

Sen. Ossoff continues to hold the Trump Administration accountable for gutting key civil rights programs.

In June, Sen. Ossoff joined Senate colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to halt changes affecting the Office for Civil Rights and preserve the Department’s capacity to enforce federal civil rights laws.

In October 2025, Sen. Ossoff joined Senate colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to halt illegal efforts to shut down the Department of Education’s administration and enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Click here to read the Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock’s inquiry.

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Padilla, Warner, Colleagues Press DOJ on Fair and Legal Deployment of Election Monitors During Midterms

Following California in 2025, Trump DOJ sends monitors to mostly Democratic areas in August 2026 Primaries amid Trump election attacks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With less than 100 days until the midterm elections and amid ongoing threats from President Trump to nationalize, militarize, and interfere with election administration, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led a group of colleagues in pressing the Department of Justice (DOJ) on their compliance with federal voting laws. The letter also cautions against the misuse of any federal election monitors to target jurisdictions in a partisan manner or interfere with voting or state and local election officials’ administration of the voting process.

In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Harmeet Dhillon, the Senators expressed concern over election monitors that are being disproportionately assigned to jurisdictions in states led by Democrats. This letter follows DOJ’s July 7, 2026, announcement that it would deploy election monitors to 15 jurisdictions across Arizona, Michigan, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Virginia during the 2026 primary election season, with plans to expand the program for the general election. The DOJ characterized this effort as “routine” and “nonpartisan,” but nearly all of the chosen states have Democratic governors and chief election officials, and the Senators warn the deployment from Trump’s DOJ could result in voter intimidation or election interference.

“Federal election monitors have been present at election sites on Election Day for decades and play a critical role in assessing if state and local elections are administered in compliance with federal civil and voting rights laws, including the laws that guarantee equal access to the polls, language assistance, and disability accommodations,” wrote the Senators. “The election monitors program has been implemented under Democratic and Republican administrations alike and has largely operated without incident or controversy. It is important that American voters trust that the U.S. Department of Justice’s election monitors will focus only on their statutory ambit and will not target jurisdictions in a partisan manner; discourage voter participation or interfere with the voting process; or pressure, harass, or interfere with state and local election officials as they do their jobs.”

The Senators also reminded DOJ that election monitors remain subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including laws prohibiting voter intimidation, interference with voting, threats or harassment of election workers, and political activity while serving in an official capacity. They emphasized that the Constitution clearly assigns states and territories the primary responsibility for administering elections, and that any federal monitoring is supplemental and must respect that constitutional framework.

The Senators requested a staff briefing and answers to a series of questions about the Department’s election monitors program, including: the program’s legal authority and objectives; the criteria used to select jurisdictions for monitoring; how election monitors are recruited, vetted, trained, and supervised; whether political appointees are eligible to serve as monitors; what safeguards are in place to prevent voter intimidation, partisan activity, or interference with election administration; and whether the Department has changed any policies or procedures governing the program since January 20, 2025.

“As demonstrated under both Democratic and Republican administrations, U.S. elections are safe, secure, and fair,” the Senators concluded.“The Department’s election monitors program must not be used to undermine that fact. Election monitors must carry out their responsibilities in a manner that respects and upholds voters’ rights, complies with the applicable legal requirements, and does not interfere with state and local election officials’ administration of the voting process.”

In addition to Padilla and Warner, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich).

Padilla has consistently advocated for protection against the Trump Administration’s election interference efforts. Last month, Padilla and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) convened a Rules Committee Democrats and Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Task Force spotlight forum focused on state and local responses to combat efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine election administration in the upcoming midterm election. Padilla also joined Senate Democrats in introducing the Protect Our Polls Act to protect the integrity of American elections from federal interference by armed military or federal law enforcement. Padilla and his Senate colleagues also demanded answers from Trump Administration officials about their lack of election security preparation, insufficient coordination with Congress and election officials, and unsupported public claims about voting system vulnerabilities. Ahead of the Proposition 50 special election in November 2025, Sen. Padilla pressed DOJ to cancel its partisan plan to deploy DOJ political appointees to monitor California’s state referendum election, a highly unusual move.

Full letter is available here.

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Peters Secures $22 Million in Federal Funding for Benton Harbor to Upgrade Flood Resiliency Infrastructure

BENTON HARBOR, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured $22 million in federal funding for the City of Benton Harbor’s Riverfront Redevelopment Project. This funding will support the relocation of Riverview Drive, a major roadway which has been subject to unpredictable closures as a result of recent heavy rainfall and flooding. Additionally, the project will revitalize Benton Harbor’s waterfront to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers.

Funding for the project comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Peters secured funding for the BUILD program though the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and advocated for Benton Harbor’s funding application.

“Michigan communities have experienced more severe storms and flooding in recent years that have threatened public safety and damaged property,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to secure this funding to help Benton Harbor invest in infrastructure upgrades that will protect residents, homes, and businesses from severe flooding while improving waterfront access for pedestrians.”

Peters has long fought to help Michigan communities strengthen their infrastructure against severe weather like flooding. Peters passed into law the bipartisan Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, which helps states establish revolving loan funds for local governments to carry out mitigation projects that reduce natural disaster risk and secured $500 million for the program to help communities address the impacts of natural disasters. Michigan has been awarded $22.5 million in federal funding through the program to date.

DOT’s BUILD program awards federal funding on a competitive basis for projects considered to have significant local or regional impact. BUILD funding can support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or intermodal transportation projects. Peters helped create the BUILD program as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and has continued working to fund BUILD through annual government funding legislation.

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Peters Secures More Than $12.5 Million in Federal Funding for Ingham County Roadway Safety Projects

LANSING, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured more than $12.5 million in federal funding for two roadway safety projects in Ingham County. This includes $11.3 million to support infrastructure improvements along Okemos Road in Meridian Township, including installation of left turn lanes, replacement of non-motorized pathways, and replacement of exiting traffic signals. Peters also secured $1.2 million for the City of Lansing’s ongoing “Safe Streets Lansing” project, an infrastructure initiative aiming to improve roadway safety for drivers and pedestrians and reduce car-related fatalities and serious injuries. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Peters secured funding for the BUILD program though the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and advocated for Lansing’s funding application.

“Having safe, reliable roadways is critical to public safety and local economic growth,” said Senator Peters. “These investments will improve safety for drivers and pedestrians and make the Capitol Region an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

DOT’s BUILD program awards federal funding on a competitive basis for projects considered to have significant local or regional impact. BUILD funding can support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or intermodal transportation projects. Peters helped create the BUILD program as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and has continued working to fund BUILD through annual government funding legislation.

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Peters Secures More Than $27 Million in Federal Funding for Roadway Safety Improvements in Metro Detroit

DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured more than $27 million in federal funding for roadway safety improvements in Metro Detroit. Peters secured $25 million for the Gratiot SMART SPACES Implementation Project, which will support roadway improvements along the Gratiot Avenue corridor to prevent crashes, create safer pedestrian crossings, and enable more reliable and efficient bus service. Peters also secured $2.2 million for the City of Sterling Heights’ North Van Dyke Avenue corridor improvement project. The funding will make roadway improvements along Van Dyke Avenue that will support roadway safety and redesign the corridor as a hub for residential and commercial activity.

“Having safe, reliable roadways is critical to public safety and local economic growth,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to secure this funding to help improve these vital corridors in Metro Detroit to better support the residents and businesses who rely on them each and every day.”

This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Peters secured funding for the BUILD program though the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and advocated for both Macomb County’s and Sterling Heights’ funding applications.

DOT’s BUILD program awards federal funding on a competitive basis for projects considered to have significant local or regional impact. BUILD funding can support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or intermodal transportation projects. Peters helped create the BUILD program as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and has continued working to fund BUILD through annual government funding legislation.

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Reed Calls Out Trump for Inflicting Pain at the Pump

CRANSTON, RI – Over five months into President Trump’s war of choice with Iran, elevated gas prices are putting added financial pressure on American drivers and businesses alike. Trump’s reckless war with Iran and his costly tariff taxes are causing gas prices and food prices to soar, and Americans have less money to spend as a result.

Before Trump started his war with Iran, regular unleaded gasoline in Rhode Island averaged $2.94 the week before the war. Since Trump started bombing Iran, gas prices have spiked by over $1.10 per gallon to more than $4 per gallon.

Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed returned to a locally owned gas station in Cranston where he held a similar event 101 days ago, on April 24, to provide an update on how Trump’s reckless tariffs and war with Iran are raising costs for all Rhode Islanders.

Reed, who is fighting to end Trump’s reckless overseas conflict and tariff taxes and bring down costs so families and businesses can thrive, noted that during his last visit on April 24, the average gas price in Rhode Island was $3.98. Today it’s: $4.09.

In April, the energy burden on American citizens – the extra costs for gas and diesel they are forced to pay because of Trump’s war with Iran -- was $25.7 billion. Today, that figure has risen to $78.2 billion, according to Brown University researchers. That means the average family has been forced to pay nearly $600 more for gas and diesel because of Donald Trump’s war.

“With no clear plan, objective, or exit strategy, President Trump chose to initiate two costly, destabilizing international conflicts: global trade tariffs and a war against Iran. In both cases, Trump turned his back on America’s allies and forced American consumers and businesses to bear higher costs and heavier financial burdens while costing the U.S. jobs and lost opportunity. Right now, we’re seeing the turmoil play out due to President Trump’s lack of strategy. One day he’s escalating, the next day he’s backing down, but none of his actions are following a clear strategy and that is why Americans are paying such high, elevated prices,” said Senator Reed. “Donald Trump isn’t making things better. He’s making them worse. I don’t know who he listens to other than his cheering squad but he’s definitely tuning out the American people and our economy.”

Reed, a leading member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has repeatedly voted against Trump’s reckless trade war and Trump’s war with Iran. Senator Reed is working to end these gambits, strengthen America, lower costs, and create an orderly process to reimburse Americans who have been unfairly forced to pay elevated costs due to President Trump reckless policies.

Reed noted that President Trump’s actions in Iran so far have only emboldened Iran and completely failed to break Tehran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz. In fact, Iran has managed to expand the conflict to areas of the Red Sea and Egypt, threatening even greater economic fallout.

“So far, all Donald Trump has done in Iran is empower a younger more hostile regime and raise energy prices. Responsibly ending both Trump’s trade war and war with Iran is critical for America’s national security and economic future. President Trump has driven severe price spikes for things like oil, fertilizer, jet fuel, and the price of many everyday goods, not to mention his massive cuts to affordable health care coverage. Indeed, high gas prices squeeze more than motorists -- entire sectors of our economy are threatened and American consumers are being squeezed from all sides as they are also forced to contend with Trump’s tariffs, which are serving as a back-door tax on American consumers and businesses,” said Reed, pointing out that higher prices and new fees – like airlines suddenly charging more for bags -- are unlikely to dissipate as soon as the war ends.

Senator Reed has cosponsored two key bills that could return hundreds or thousands of dollars to Americans who have been unfairly forced to bear the burden of Trump’s tariffs and oil price shocks: the Tariff Refunds for Working Families Act (S.4093) and the Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act (S. 4111).

Led by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), the Tariff Refunds for Working Families Act would create a tax rebate program for individuals and families who have paid increased prices for groceries and everyday essentials due to President Trump’s unlawful foreign tariffs. The bill would provide direct rebates of $1,200 to American families who make $180,000 or less and $600 to individuals who make $90,000 or less. It would also provide an additional $600 for each dependent child.

As American drivers pay more for gas and oil profits climb due to the war, Senator Reed has also teamed up with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehoue (D-RI), who is the lead Democrat on the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, on the Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act. This bill would impose an excise tax on the windfall profits of major oil companies that produce or import 300,000+ barrels per day, and return some of the industry's tens of billions of dollars in excessive gains to consumers in the form of a quarterly rebate.


Reed Urges Stronger Cyber Defenses & Rebukes Trump’s “Disturbing and Uninformed” Response to Cyber Attacks on U.S. Water Systems

WASHINGTON, DC -- As the scope of cyberattacks targeting U.S. water and wastewater systems widens and points to Iranian-backed hackers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging the Trump Administration to boost U.S. cyber defenses and safeguard the nation’s water supply. Reed is also calling out President Donald Trump for slashing cyber defense funds and reflexively blaming U.S. states that were attacked by malicious cyber actors, despite the fact that evidence points to Iran.

Last week, on July 26, 27 and 28, Michigan and Minnesota were among several states reportedly hit with cyberattacks aimed at disrupting water systems nationwide, and the scope of the attacks may be far wider.

The attacks came after the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other agencies warned in an advisory last week that Iranian hackers have been targeting water and wastewater systems and the operational controls of other critical infrastructure sectors. And since the start of Trump’s war with Iran, experts have repeatedly warned: Iran is trying to turn off America’s water.

While probes into the attacks could take months, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee who also serves as an ex officio member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed gratitude to federal law enforcement and state and local officials for doing their part to combat the attacks and is urging swift action by the Trump Administration to harden America’s cyber defenses.

“These coordinated cyberattacks targeting more than thirty community water systems in Minnesota alone are a serious issue and should be a wake up call. It is fortunate no major damage was done and that is thanks in part to talented federal law enforcement and cyber officials who stand ready to assist state and local officials. But those assets need to be marshalled correctly. I urge the Trump Administration to step up and help defend our nation from these attacks. The investigation is still ongoing, but federal officials have repeatedly warned utilities that hackers are attempting to disrupt critical water infrastructure. We must be vigilant. Reportedly, the hackers are targeting specific brands of control systems used by municipal water utilities. And communities nationwide need to be aware and the federal government must do its part to support them and help defend against cyber hackers,” said Reed.

Reed also rebuked President Trump for reflexively trying to dismiss the fact that the attacks bear the hallmarks of Iranian-backed hackers and unfairly shift the blame for the attacks onto states. Reed called Trump’s initial dismissiveness to this serious national security matter “disturbing and pathetic.”

During a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, President Trump claimed without evidence that the cyberattacks against Minnesota were the fault of the state and its Governor Tim Walz.

Trump stated: “I think that Minnesota is behind it. You know who’s behind it? Minnesota. Because they’re grossly incompetent. I think the governor is behind it. I don’t think there was an Iranian cyber attack.” He also stated: “They like to say, ‘Oh, is Iran.’ Iran should be so lucky. Iran’s got bigger problems than worrying about Minnesota.”

Senator Reed stated: “President Trump’s initial response to this wave of cyber attacks is disturbing and uninformed. Is he completely unaware that his own agencies have been warning about this exact type of attack? Hackers and terrorists are opportunistic and don’t just target the White House or the New York Stock Exchange. It’s alarming that President Trump initiated a war in Iran and is now trying to blame states coming under attack from what are very likely Iranian hackers.”

The U.S. has over 150,000 public drinking water systems and more than 16,000 wastewater treatment systems. Many of the systems are automated and use internet-connected operational devices. Hackers target the systems’ programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) used for remote monitoring and equipment control. Many of these organizations are small, rural, or municipally operated and have limited cybersecurity personnel, funding, and access to specialized OT expertise, which CISA notes makes them vulnerable.

The Trump Administration has significantly scaled back U.S. cyber defenses, notably through major staffing cuts at CISA, the elimination of the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, and dissolving the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) and halting an active investigation into the Salt Typhoon telecommunications hack. Additionally, Trump’s budget proposals have put hundreds of millions in federal cyber defense funding on the chopping block.

Senator Reed stressed the need to look forward and help ensure states and municipalities can defend themselves and keep Americans safe.

“We must ensure Rhode Island and every other state has the ability to secure its key infrastructure against hackers. Some of these IT upgrades can be extremely costly for small municipalities so the federal government has a role to play to ensure the financing is there for essential cyber services. I will continue working at the federal level to safeguard our country, boost our cyber defenses, and ensure the federal government does its part to assist states with technology upgrades to halt these types of cyber attacks – wherever they come from,” concluded Reed.


U.S. Senators Call for Cancelled Energy Funds to be Restored

WASHINGTON, DC -- Instead of effectively governing and making energy more affordable for hardworking Americans, President Trump has used federal grants to play partisan games and deny federal resources to so-called ‘Blue States.’

In response, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, along with 37 fellow Democratic lawmakers, are demanding the Trump Administration restore federal funding for energy projects that were unfairly canceled last year.

Reed and Whitehouse recently joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and 35 Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for the 223 energy projects canceled in October 2025.

The letter was sent after Trump Administration officials cancelled federal energy grants based solely on whether recipients were in states that voted against Donald Trump in the last presidential election and were represented by two Democratic senators. All Senators who cosigned this letter are from states with canceled grants and funding signed the letter.

The Trump Administration admitted to unlawfully canceling over $7.5 billion in energy grants because those projects were in states that cast a majority of their votes for Trump’s opponent in the 2024 presidential election. This included $14 million in grants for Rhode Island.

“Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump administration has weaponized in an attempt to punish perceived political enemies,” the 39 U.S. Senators wrote.

“Once an administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly,” the Senators continued. “This is not only an attack on jobs, affordable energy, and America’s economic competitiveness. It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country—not merely those who support the President.”

“At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, the administration is hell-bent on political retribution instead of working to bring down costs for millions of Americans. The American people deserve to have a government that works for them—not one that is willing to push energy prices even higher and put the country’s energy security at grave risk,” the Senators concluded. “For the good of our country, the rule of law, and the American people, we demand that you change course and restore the previously awarded funding.”

Alongside Senators Heinrich, Murray, Reed, and Whitehouse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mazie Hirono (D- HI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Angus King (I-ME).

Full text of the letter to DOE Secretary Wright and OMB Director Vought follows:

Secretary Wright and Director Vought:

Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump Administration has weaponized in an attempt to punish perceived political enemies.

In October 2025, we wrote to you to express strong opposition to the Administration’s callous decision to unlawfully terminate $8 billion in federal investments for 223 energy projects. You not only acted outside the bounds of the law, but cancelled projects that would have provided jobs, onshored manufacturing, and lowered skyrocketing energy prices. Congress authorized those projects and appropriated funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and annual appropriation bills. At the time of the termination of those projects, we expressed outrage that the terminations appeared politically motivated and confined to states that then-Vice President Kamala Harris carried in the 2024 presidential election. The Administration has now admitted in federal court what it denied to Congress and the American people.

On July 24, 2026, citing court filings, The New York Times reported that the Trump Administration acknowledged that it terminated more than $7.5 billion of grants due to political motivations. In a two-step process, the Department of Energy (DOE) first recommended more than 600 grants for potential termination, including grants in states represented by both Republicans and Democrats. It appears the Office of Management and Budget then selected all the grants in “Blue States” for cancellation, which DOE executed. In court filings, DOE’s lawyers conceded that the cancellations occurred “based solely on the political identity of the grant recipient’s state.”4 Specifically, as the court filings stated, “[w]ith one exception, the 284 terminated grants had a recipient location and/or at least one place of performance in a state that awarded its electoral votes to Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and has two Democratic caucusing Senators (“Blue State” grants).”5 Similar grants in Red States, however, remained intact and were not the subject of termination. What’s more, DOE lawyers conceded that the decision to terminate these blue state grants was not “based on any programmatic, statutory, cost reduction, or performance-based factor.”

Once an Administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly. This is not only an attack on jobs, affordable energy, and America’s economic competitiveness. It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country—not merely those who support the President.

At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, the Administration is hell-bent on political retribution instead of working to bring down costs for millions of Americans. The American people deserve to have a government that works for them—not one that is willing to push energy prices even higher and put the country’s energy security at grave risk.

For the good of our country, the rule of law, and the American people, we demand that you change course and restore the previously awarded funding.

Sincerely,


Rosen, Cortez Masto, Merkley Raise Concern About Wildfire Bets on Prediction Markets

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) joined a letter led by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) raising the alarm about offshore prediction markets allowing people to bet on wildfires. As wildfires burn in Nevada and across the nation, the Senators are demanding answers from the CFTC following public reporting that highlights the public safety and insider trading concerns over allowing prediction market platforms to offer bets on natural disasters such as wildfires.

“Offering bets on destructive wildfires threatens to minimize communities’ suffering all so the rich and powerful can profit,” the Senators wrote. “There’s also the heightened risk – according to state and local fire officials – that individuals could be tempted to commit arson in order to make sure their bets are successful. By offering contracts on fires, prediction market sites run the risk of encouraging people to influence fires that have already started, creating additional concerns around public safety and insider trading.”

The Senators pressed the CFTC to swiftly ensure regulated exchanges are not listing event contracts that allow users to profit from wildfires threatening communities nationwide.

The full text of the letter can be foundHERE.

Senator Rosen has been vocal about the need for more regulation on online prediction markets at the federal level. She recently joined Senate colleagues in a letter urging appropriators to protect states and Tribal nations’ rights to regulate prediction markets. In April, Senator Rosen joined Senate colleagues in a letter urging the CFTC to crack down on insider trading and certain event contracts on prediction markets. During a May hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Rosen raised significant concerns about the risks of unregulated prediction markets circumventing consumer protection rules.

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Rosen Successfully Pushes Trump to Release More than $3.3 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing Across Nevada

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that the Trump Administration finally released more than $3.3 million in federal funding for affordable housing across Nevada. This funding comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Trust Fund Formula Grant Program Allocation, which provides grants to states to produce and preserve affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households. The Trump Administration withheld the funding for more than a year, with Senator Rosen joining colleagues in a letter in June demanding that these funds be released without further delay.

“Nevada is facing a real housing crisis, and we need to do everything we can to build and maintain more housing supply in our state. Whether it’s refusing to sign landmark housing legislation or delaying the release of Housing Trust Fund dollars, Trump continues to disregard the need for more affordable housing in our state,” said Senator Rosen. “I am proud to help secure millions of dollars in federal funding for affordable housing across Nevada, and I promise to continue fighting in the Senate to ensure that every Nevadan can afford a place they can call home.”

Senator Rosen has prioritized actions to help lower the cost of housing for Nevadans. She helped pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act into law. Senator Rosen has also introduced legislation to exempt homebuilding materials from Trump’s tariffs, a bipartisan bill to support small businesses in the housing industry, and bipartisan legislation to help grow the construction workforce, making it easier to build more houses and bring down costs.

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NEWS: Sen. Schiff Joins Leader Schumer, Democrats on Legislation to End Unprecedented Presidential Corruption, Stop “Pay-To-Play” Pardons

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25) to lead the introduction of legislation that would bring transparency and accountability to presidential pardons after Trump has abused the power in office.

President Trump promised to attack “waste, fraud, and abuse.” But after a year and a half in office, it’s clear that he has engaged in a level of corruption and abuse previously unseen in the office. Trump has taken one of the undisputed powers of the President — the ability to grant clemency for a crime — and perverted its intention. No longer does a presidential pardon seek to right an injustice, Trump has turned the pardon into a prize that can be won by the highest bidder, no matter the crime committed.

Today, the Senators introduced No Payoffs For Pardons Act to strengthen transparency and accountability in the presidential clemency process. This legislation would require individuals who receive pardons to disclose any significant financial gifts made in connection with their clemency, both at the time it is granted and for four years afterward. It also confirms federal bribery laws apply to the President and Vice President. Simply put, the No Payoffs For Pardons Act is designed to deter, expose, and prosecute corrupt pardons.

“President Trump’s blatant misuse of the pardon power to serve his political and personal whims is illustrative of the same message he continues to send to his donors and friends: if you’ve got enough money or the right political connections, the law doesn’t apply to you. It’s time to crack down on the president’s abuses, and I’m proud to join Leader Schumer in helping to bring transparency and accountability to the corrupt use of the pardon power,” said Senator Schiff.

“Justice should not be bought and sold. But Trump has turned clemency into a perk that his golf buddies, donors, and allies can buy. Proximity to the Presidency has provided criminals with a ‘get out of jail free’ card,” said Leader Schumer. “We are seeking to bring sunlight to the deals that Trump is trying to do under the cover of shadows and stop the rampant corrupt that has been a hallmark of his presidency since Day One.”

Additional Background:

President Trump has granted clemency to only a tiny fraction of the roughly 10,000 people who went through the Justice Department’s formal process in 2026. Meanwhile, he has showered pardons and commutations on high‑profile allies, business associates, and other well‑connected offenders whose real qualification was money or proximity, not merit. Trump issued sweeping clemency for about 1,600 people tied to the January 6 attack on the Capitol and erased convictions for some of the most notorious white‑collar criminals in American history, including the longest‑sentenced Medicare fraudster, all while wiping out nearly $2 billion in victim repayments and taxpayer recovery.

The No Payoffs For Pardons Act would establish disclosure requirements for clemency recipients and clarifies applications of the federal bribery statute. The legislation would impose disclosure obligations, making it so a clemency recipient would have to file a report if they give a certain “covered benefit” to a “covered recipient.” Additionally, the legislation goes further to clarify federal bribery, confirming that it applies to the President and Vice President, and establishes a 10-year statute of limitation for bribery offenses involving the granting, denying, withholding, promising, or offering of executive clemency.

The is the latest action in Senate Democrats’ anti-corruption initiative, which is working to expose President Trump’s rampant self-dealing, demonstrate how corruption costs American families, and enact lasting safeguards against presidents who attempt to exploit public office for personal profit.

This legislation is being introduced in tandem on the House side by Representative Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration.

This legislation has been endorsed by Campaign Legal Center, Public Citizen, Protect Democracy, the Center for American Progress, and Democracy Defenders Action.

“The pardon power exists to serve as a safety net to correct injustices. However, the Trump administration has gravely abused this power by pardoning those convicted of bribery, corruption, and insider trading; hundreds of rioters who assaulted law enforcement officials on January 6; and other criminals in the Epstein class who are connected to the rich and powerful,” said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and board member of Democracy Defenders Action. “It is past due for Congress to rein in these unchecked pardon powers, and we thank Leader Schumer and Senator Blumenthal for introducing the No Corrupt Pardons Act.“

“A presidential pardon is meant to be an opportunity for mercy, not enrichment,” said Adav Noti, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. “But the federal pardon system has been thoroughly corrupted, permitting lawbreakers with extreme wealth to use their political connections to avoid accountability. These are just the examples we can see; without disclosure, pardon recipients can buy influence through dark money political spending, or by supporting the president’s pet projects and personal businesses. Americans deserve a fair shake, not a criminal justice system where regular people are punished and the wealthy walk free. Sen. Schumer’s legislation would address corruption by pardon seekers and ensure those who buy pardons face the same consequences as anyone else who bribes the government. Congress must pass the No Payoffs For Pardons Act and take these important steps to restore fairness and strengthen the rule of law.”

“President Trump’s outrageous exploitation of the pardon power to benefit himself, his cronies, and his sleazy benefactors absolutely demands reform,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President Public Citizen. “Public Citizen strongly supports Senator Schumer’s pardon reform bill that will force sleazy financial pay-to-play pardon schemes out from the shadows and into the light of day. Anyone who plans, participates in, or profits from perverting the sacred pardon power for depraved purposes should be exposed and held accountable for abusing the public’s trust.”

The full text of the legislation can be seen here.

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NEWS: Sen. Schiff. Joins Reps. Garamendi, Gallagher, and Sen. Sheehy to Introduce the American Food for American Schools Act

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined U.S. House of Representatives John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), James Gallagher (R-Calif.-01) and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) to reintroduce the American Food for American Schools Act, legislation to ensure that American-grown food is served in school meals.

“Ensuring that our schools purchase as much American produce as possible is crucial to supporting our farmers and economy. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan and bicameral bill with Senator Sheehy and Representatives Garamendi and Gallagher,” said Senator Schiff.

“California is the largest agricultural producer in the United States, providing produce for the entire country and parts of the world. Yet, school districts in our own farming communities still use taxpayer dollars to buy imported food. Some of those imported products have even been recalled due to safety concerns, when they could have been sourced locally in California,” said Congressman Garamendi. “That’s why I’m proud to once again introduce the American Food for American Schools Act, with my colleagues Congressman James Gallagher, Senator Sheehy and Senator Schiff, which would ensure that our schoolchildren are served nutritious, American-grown food produced under the strictest safety standards in the world.”

“Our farmers should be at the forefront as we improve school meal programs. The American Food for American Schools Act puts American-grown food on our children’s lunch trays while creating new opportunities for the farmers who feed our nation,” said Congressman Gallagher. “Northern California produces some of the highest-quality food in the world, and it is common sense to buy from our own farmers instead of importing food from foreign countries. This bipartisan bill strengthens American agriculture and gives students access to nutritious meals made with products grown right here at home.”

“It doesn’t make sense for American schools to purchase imported food when the very best beef and agricultural products are produced right here at home, including in my home state of Montana. Buying U.S.-grown agricultural products not only protects the health and wellbeing of American kids, but also supports our nation’s economy, American farmers and ranchers, and small and local agricultural businesses,” said Senator Sheehy. “The American Food for American Schools Act strengthens the ‘Buy American’ requirement for schools to build a more secure domestic food chain and ensures federal policies back the producers who feed our nation, not foreign competitors.”

This legislation is endorsed by the Teamsters, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), California Farm Bureau, Montana Farm Bureau, and American Fruit and Vegetable Coalition.

“The Teamsters are proud to endorse Representatives Garamendi and Gallagher’s American Food for American School’s Act. When school districts purchase food using our tax dollars, they should support American farmers and American workers,” said Sean M. O’Brien,General President of Teamsters. “On behalf of tens of thousands of Teamsters in the food processing industry, we strongly support this effort to ensure safer and better products for students, while also creating opportunities for the Americans who grow, package, ship, and deliver domestically grown food.”

“Increasing imports of canned fruits and vegetables are one of the greatest threats to our industry given lower labor and steel costs in other parts of the world,” said Paul Palmby, President & CEO of Seneca Foods, speaking as a founding leader of the American Fruit & Vegetable Coalition. “We have also observed that fruit and vegetable imports continue to be a driving force behind our nation’s increased dependence on foreign food imports. We applaud this critical effort to empower and support our schools, parents, and American businesses with common-sense, modernized Buy America policies.”

“Farm Bureau applauds Senators Sheehy and Schiff, and Representatives Garamendi and Gallagher, for advancing legislation that supports both American agriculture and child nutrition,” said Dr. John Newton, Vice President of Public Policy and Economic AnalysisatAFBF. “By expanding access to high-quality, domestically grown food in school meal programs, this bill will help ensure students receive nutritious meals while also supporting U.S. farmers.”

“American farmers and ranchers raise the highest quality crops and livestock in the world. Just like farmers nationwide, we here in Montana we are proud of the products we grow so we appreciate the effort to highlight the importance of delivering this healthy, delicious food to kids in our local schools and beyond,” said Cyndi Johnson, PresidentatMontana Farm Bureau Federation and farmer from Conrad. “We applaud Senator Sheehy, his co-sponsors and counterparts in the House, for bringing this legislation, which will bring more of these high-quality, American raised foods to school children across the United States.”

Background: The American Food for American Schools Act would strengthen and clarify the existing Buy America requirements for USDA school meal programs, ensuring that taxpayer-funded school food purchases support American farmers and food producers whenever possible.

Specifically, the legislation would:

Codify limited exceptions to the Buy America requirement, allowing waivers only when domestic commodities or products are not reasonably available in sufficient quantity or quality.

Require schools that receive a waiver to notify parents that American-grown food is not being provided.

Limit waivers to no more than 5 percent of a school food authority’s annual commercial food costs within each food component.

Require USDA to publish information on Buy America compliance, including a list of approved waivers and foreign products purchased without a waiver. This transparency would help domestic producers identify opportunities to challenge waivers or enter the market with American-grown products.

Streamline the Buy America contracting process by establishing uniform contract requirements for school food procurement. If a supplier provides foreign-sourced products in violation of a Buy America contract, schools would receive safe-harbor protections, and USDA would be authorized to seek reimbursement from the supplier. Those funds would support USDA’s Buy American Procurement Training Program.

Extend Buy America requirements to additional USDA child nutrition programs, including the School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Afterschool Snack Program, and Special Milk Program.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla, Democratic Senators Demand CFTC Rein in Wildfire Bets on Prediction Markets

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to press the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on its plans to crack down on prediction markets now offering event contracts for individuals to bet on wildfires.

In light of recent wildfires in California and ongoing ones across the nation, the Senators are demanding action from the CFTC following public reporting that highlighted the public safety and insider trading concerns of allowing prediction market platforms to offer bets on natural disasters such as wildfires.

“Offering bets on destructive wildfires threatens to minimize communities’ suffering all so the rich and powerful can profit,” the Senators wrote in a letter to CFTC Chair Michael Selig. “There’s also the heightened risk—according to state and local fire officials—that individuals could be tempted to commit arson in order to make sure their bets are successful. By offering contracts on fires, prediction market sites run the risk of encouraging people to influence fires that have already started, creating additional concerns around public safety and insider trading.”

The Senators pressed the CFTC to swiftly tackle unrestricted betting on wildfires and put in place common-sense guardrails to prevent gamblers from making a profit as wildfires threaten communities nationwide.

Background:

Senator Schiff has raised the alarm about the current lack of regulation in this industry:

On March 10, 2026, the Senator introduced the DEATH BETS Act, legislation to prohibit any CFTC registered entity from listing contracts on terrorism, assassination, war, or an individual’s death. In February, he wrote to the CFTC on the need halt prediction market contracts involving betting on physical injury, death or war, and to vigorously enforce a prohibition on “death contracts.”

On March 23, 2026, he introduced bipartisan legislation, the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act, to prohibit CFTC registered entities from listing any prediction contract that resembles a sports bet or casino-style game.

He also co-led the Public Integrity in Financial Markets Act of 2026, legislation to prohibit federally elected officials and government employees from using insider information to bet on a prediction market contract.

The full text of the letter can be found here below:

Dear Chair Selig,

We write to express concern regarding the disturbing news that prediction markets are now offering event contracts for individuals to bet on wildfires. Prediction markets have been enabled to expand rapidly, increasingly inviting speculation on war, political violence, disasters, and public emergencies that raise ethical and public policy concerns. These markets risk creating perverse incentives, undermining public trust and commodifying human suffering in ways that warrant careful scrutiny.

Recent public reports have highlighted how Polymarket—the largest prediction market platform in the world—accepted more than $1.2 million in bets surrounding the Palisades and Eaton fires in January 2025. These fires devastated the Los Angeles area, claiming the lives of 31 people and destroying more than 16,000 structures. Another report even spotlighted the launch of a new prediction market platform that accepts only simulated bets on wildfires in California and whose slogan boasts, “You can’t predict fire, but you can trade on it.”

Offering bets on destructive wildfires threatens to minimize communities’ suffering all so the rich and powerful can profit. There’s also the heightened risk—according to state and local fire officials—that individuals could be tempted to commit arson in order to make sure their bets are successful. By offering contracts on fires, prediction market sites run the risk of encouraging people to influence fires that have already started, creating additional concerns around public safety and insider trading.

As the United States faces yet another record-breaking fire season this year, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) cannot allow these prediction markets to offer unrestricted betting on wildfires. While these bets appear to be offered only on the offshore Polymarket site, it is only a matter of time before other U.S. based Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) try to offer these. The CFTC must lead the charge to rein in these contracts in the U.S. and offshore and put in place common-sense guardrails to prevent people from profiting as wildfires threaten communities.

As such, we request you provide answers to the following questions by August 14, 2026:

Is the CFTC considering prohibiting DCMs from offering event contracts on wildfires as part of the rulemaking process currently underway, given they are against the public’s interest?

Does the CFTC have any plans to curb bets on wildfires on prediction markets in the United States? Does the agency have plans to address these contracts being offered on offshore markets?

Does the CFTC believe event contracts offered on the following wildfire-related events are in the public interest:

How long would a wildfire last?

How much would a wildfire destroy?

How much would a wildfire grow by?

Does the Commission have guidance or planned enforcement related to these wildfire event contracts?

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to hearing from you.

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NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Whitehouse Introduce Measure to Strike Down Trump’s Gutting of Endangered Species Act

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) are pushing back against the new final rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that deletes the definition of “harm” in the rules implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The Senators’ Congressional Review Act resolution introduced today, if approved by the Congress, would reject the administration’s latest unprecedented attempt to circumvent congressional intent and stop the reversal of a decades-old provision meant to protect our wildlife.

“By repealing a key provision that has — for decades — protected endangered wildlife, the Trump administration has made it legal for for-profit industries to destroy the habitats of endangered species. This should not be a partisan issue. We cannot let the administration push their deregulatory agenda until there’s no wildlife left to protect,” said Senator Schiff.

“The Trump administration has given its industry buddies a free pass to end endangered species protections that have been on the books for over 40 years and permanently destroy habitats to make money,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This rule is nonsensical, and endangers the species this law set out to protect. We’re prepared to fight it.”

Under the rules implementing the ESA, signed by President Nixon in 1973, the definition of “harm” includes habitat modification or destruction – which the Trump administration is now calling “outdated.” Because of this new final rule issued by the Trump administration, it will no longer be illegal to bulldoze or destroy the habitat of a protected species.

This upends a half-century of how the Endangered Species Act has been implemented and flies in the face of Congress’ intent when it passed the Act. According to many scientists, habitat loss may be the top driver of species extinction today. Protected species need a safe place to eat, sleep, and raise their young.

This resolution is endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice Action, Endangered Species Coalition, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Monterey Bay Aquarium, MountainTrue, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Oceana, Sea Turtle Conservancy, Sierra Club, and Wyoming Wildlife Advocates.

“Thank you to Senators Schiff and Whitehouse for introducing this resolution to repeal one of the Trump administration’s latest assaults on the Endangered Species Act,” said Susan Millward, Executive Director and CEO of the Animal Welfare Institute. “With the recent rule gutting the definition of ‘harm’ to exclude habitat destruction, the administration has opened the door to bulldozing the ecosystems our most vulnerable species need to survive. This resolution is about restoring a basic, commonsense protection that has helped prevent extinction for generations.”

“Defenders of Wildlife is tremendously grateful to Senators Schiff and Whitehouse for moving quickly to reverse this dangerous and reckless action by the administration to eliminate our nation’s ability under the Endangered Species Act to protect the homes of species facing extinction,” said Andrew Bowman, President and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife. “The Endangered Species Act is one of the most important and visionary conservation laws ever passed by any nation, and this administration has just ripped out its heart. The American people will not stand for this assault on our cherished wildlife.”

“Extinction is permanent, and Americans overwhelmingly agree that preventing it should be a national priority,” said Danielle Kessler, U.S. Director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare. “For more than 50 years, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has reflected a basic promise: when a species is at risk of disappearing, we will give animals the protection and habitat they need to survive and recover. In the wake of efforts to weaken key ESA protections, we applaud the swift response from Senators Schiff and Whitehouse, and we look forward to working with them to advance this important measure.”

“Protecting our imperiled wildlife requires us to protect the places they depend on to live. We are grateful to Senators Schiff and Whitehouse for standing up against the Trump administration’s reckless attacks to this core provision of the Endangered Species Act, and strongly support their efforts to ensure that our iconic American species – including Florida manatees, salmon, and northern spotted owls – are able to survive and thrive in the wild,” said Addie Haughey, Legislative Director for Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans at Earthjustice Action.

“When a sea otter’s kelp forest is destroyed or a red knot’s coastal habitat is degraded, the species is harmed. The Trump administration’s attempt to ignore this reality is reckless,” said Susan Holmes, Executive Director at the Endangered Species Coalition. “We applaud Senators Schiff and Whitehouse for taking action to defend endangered species and uphold the integrity of the Endangered Species Act.”

“For imperiled species to survive and recover, they need a safe place to live. That’s a common-sense scientific fact that has informed ESA protections for decades. Now, the Trump administration is reversing course based on a shoddy interpretation of the law. Congress should rescind this unlawful regulation as soon as possible,” said Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney at NRDC.

“Protecting at-risk wildlife starts with protecting where they live,” said Julia Singer Campaign Manager at Oceana. “This bill would reverse the Trump administration’s catastrophic decision to fast-track endangered species’ extinctions by removing core protections for their habitats. Legislation to reverse this action has also been introduced in the House, demonstrating the bicameral opposition to this move. The Endangered Species Act is one of the country’s most successful conservation laws, saving 99% of species under its care. Oceana thanks Senator Schiff for defending this landmark law and urges other members of Congress to step up for endangered species’ survival.”

“Sea turtles in the United States are finally showing signs of recovery, largely due to protecting species and their habitats under the Endangered Species Act,” said Stacey Gallagher, Development and Policy Coordinator at Sea Turtle Conservancy. “Removing habitat destruction from the definition of ‘harm’ under the ESA puts our globally-important sea turtle populations at risk and threatens the beaches and in-water habitats people depend on for recreation, food, and jobs. Sea Turtle Conservancy applauds this decisive action to void the changes to the ESA Harm definition.”

“The Trump administration is giving corporate polluters a free pass to destroy habitat even when it kills or injures endangered wildlife,” said Bradley Williams, Deputy Legislative Director for Lands and Wildlife at the Sierra Club. “Senators Schiff and Whitehouse understand that the Endangered Species Act cannot protect wildlife if it ignores the destruction of the places they depend on to survive. We strongly support their efforts to overturn this destructive policy and preserve these critical places in nature.”

“There’s no doubt that destroying an animal’s habitat harms the animal itself. This rescission is a political giveaway to extractive and development interests making profits without regard for the consequences,” said Kristin Combs, Executive Director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates. “Here in Wyoming, many animals are endangered because of habitat destruction. Without the harm provision of the ESA including habitat, species already barely making it will decline further. Congress must reject the notion that habitat destruction is not harm and prevent extinction from becoming just another cost of making the wealthy even richer. We commend Senators Schiff and Whitehouse for their leadership in acting to nullify this reckless action and defend the habitat protections essential to the survival of Wyoming’s, and the nation’s, endangered species.”

Background: Senator Schiff, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, alongside Ranking Member of the EPW Committee Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) previously pushed back against the FWS and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)’s proposed rule to delete the definition of “harm” from Endangered Species Act regulations. The Senators’ new resolution today targets the agencies’ final rule.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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Sheehy Introduces Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act

U.S. SENATE – Senator Tim Sheehy today introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act, extending nationwide carry privileges to elite special operations veterans similar to the privileges given to trained and vetted law enforcement officers under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004. U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives in April 2026.

“Our Special Operations Forces spend their careers protecting the American people with unmatched discipline, judgment, and professionalism. This bill honors that reality by giving qualified special operators the same nationwide concealed carry privileges already afforded to retired law enforcement officers. Our elite warfighters never stop serving, and this bill ensures the law reflects the trust they’ve earned through a lifetime of sacrifice,” said Senator Sheehy.

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004 established a clear national standard allowing trained and vetted law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines, eliminating the risks posed by a patchwork of conflicting state laws. Congress recognized that both active and retired officers may need to respond to violent crime or terrorism while off duty, and that they face ongoing threats from individuals they have previously encountered in the line of duty.

The Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act builds directly on this proven framework by extending similar nationwide carry privileges to a narrowly defined group of elite special operations veterans. These individuals have completed rigorous selection and possess firearms training that meets or exceeds professional law enforcement standards. This legislation honors their service while preserving all existing federal firearm restrictions.

Background:

The Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act strengthens public safety, reinforces policy consistency, and recognizes the continued readiness of highly trained veterans.

This legislation would accomplish the following:

Extends 18 U.S.C. 926C so concealed carry privileges apply to “qualified special operators” in addition to qualified retired law enforcement officers.

Requires yearly, state-standard, active-duty-level firearms qualification at the individual’s expense, plus completion of a DOJ-certified “Concealed Carry Use of Force in Society” course before carrying.

Makes carry authority contingent on honorable discharge (if applicable), continued status as a qualified special operator, sobriety, continued federal firearm eligibility, and current training; authority ends immediately if any condition fails and does not override any federal firearm restriction.

Requires DoD and VA to create a joint photo ID program within 180 days and accept service documents in the interim, and directs the Attorney General to ensure law enforcement accepts those documents within 90 days.

Clarifies that this act creates no new private right of action.


After Further Violence from ICE, Slotkin, Peters Demand Hearing on ICE’s Deadly Use of Force

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), all members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, joined the Committee’s Democrats in sending a letter calling on Chairman Rand Paul to convene an oversight hearing on the Administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.

Chairman Paul held a February 12 oversight hearing following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti — two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. While administration officials have pledged to change policies and implement common sense reforms, it is clear that not enough is being done. DHS has doubled down and ramped up immigration enforcement operations — resulting in ICE agents fatally shooting Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas, on July 7 and Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13.

“Secretary Mullin has now had sufficient time in office to enact meaningful policy change… Furthermore, DHS has still not been forthcoming about what, if any, corrective actions have been taken related to the killings of Mr. Pretti and Ms. Good. In light of these facts, we call on you to immediately conduct oversight of DHS, including, as necessary, to issue a subpoena for records and information regarding their tactics and excessive use of force,” the Senators wrote.

“We call on you to hold a hearing with Administration officials, including Secretary Markwayne Mullin, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, ICE Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director David J. Venturella, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott to explain why DHS has failed to implement meaningful reforms that could have prevented incidents like fatal shootings and reined in abusive and rampant immigration enforcement tactics,” the Senators concluded.

Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and John Fetterman (D-PA) also signed on.

Read the full letter here.

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U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Proposed Delay of National Ban on Hemp-Derived THC Products

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after language delaying a national ban on most hemp-derived THC products, including THC beverages, was included in a must-pass budget resolution set to be voted on in the Senate this week. The ban was set to take place in November and would now be delayed until December, buying lawmakers more time to negotiate.

“Adults should be allowed to have a THC beverage if they so choose. Minnesota has created one of the strongest, most carefully regulated systems in the country to allow the sale of hemp products. The initial ban set to take place was ill-advised and would have hurt both hemp farmers and Minnesota breweries alike,” said Senator Smith. “I’m grateful Senator Klobuchar and I were able to secure bipartisan language to delay this ban to December 11. While helpful to hemp farmers, brewers, and consumers, we still need to work towards a long-term solution that will allow for the industry to move forward.”

Klobuchar and Smith partnered with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to initially try and stop the ban from becoming law. The Senators pushed for language delaying the ban to be included in a continuing budget resolution to fund the government until December, which will be voted on later this week. The delay is supported by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Association.

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Thune on the Senate’s Historic Confirmation Pace

Click here to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, I am pleased to say that the text of the continuing resolution has been released.

“It is a strong, bipartisan piece of legislation, and I hope it will receive overwhelming support from both parties in the Senate.

“I am deeply grateful to Appropriations Chair Collins for her work to produce this legislation in consultation with members of both parties.

“And I also want to thank Senator Murray, vice-chair of the Appropriations Committee, for her efforts to get this done.

“I look forward to passing this bill in the next few days.

“Mr. President, this week we’ll move our fifth bloc of civilian nominees, which includes 74 well-qualified individuals.

“By the end of the week, we will have cleared 95 percent of the civilian nominees who are eligible for floor consideration.

“Ninety-five percent.

“At this same point in President Trump’s first term, there were 155 unconfirmed nominees on the calendar.

“This year that number is on track to be about 10.

“It’s the best confirmation track record in a quarter-century.

“As I said, we will have confirmed 95 percent of the civilian nominees available for confirmation – meaning that we’re doing better at this point than we were during President Obama’s first term, President Trump’s first term, or President Biden’s.

“It didn’t always look like we’d be able to achieve this, Mr. President.

“From the very beginning of his second term, Democrats met President Trump’s nominees with a historic level of obstruction.

“And when I say historic, I do mean historic.

“Up until extremely recently, President Trump was the only president on record – the only, the only, president on record – not to have had any civilian nominees approved by unanimous consent or voice vote.

“Mr. President, that used to be the standard way of approving these nominations.

“During President George H.W. Bush’s four years in office and President Clinton’s first four years, both presidents had 98 percent of their civilian nominees – 98 percent – confirmed through unanimous consent or voice vote.

“President George W. Bush and President Obama both had 90 percent.

“And then we get to President Trump’s first administration.

“Democrats introduced an unprecedented new level of partisanship into the historically bipartisan confirmation process, forcing time-consuming votes on civilian nominees who would once have gone by unanimous consent or by voice vote.

“But despite this, Mr. President, despite this new level of partisanship, both President Trump in his first term and President Biden had more than half of their nominees confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote.

“And then we get to President Trump’s current administration.

“As I said, until recently, he had not had one single nominee confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote.

“Zero.

“So the fact that we’re standing here today, Mr. President, with the civilian nominations calendar about to be essentially cleared, is pretty impressive.

“But we’ve been on a mission, Mr. President, to ensure that the president has his nominees in place so that he can do the job the American people elected him to do.

“That included taking action to restore the Senate tradition of en bloc confirmation of largely noncontroversial nominees.

“And most of all, Mr. President, it included putting in the work.

“Lots of work in committees.

“Lots of work on the floor.

“And lots of votes.

“Lots and lots of votes.

“And it’s paid off.

“We’ve confirmed 52 Article III judges.

“Ninety-one percent of the U.S. attorneys that have made it out of committee this Congress.

“Twenty-three Cabinet members.

“And the list goes on.

“And we’re going to continue to ensure that nominees are confirmed in a timely fashion, and that the president is able to have his team in place.”


Cornyn, Tillis Announce Agreement with Blanche on Anti-Weaponization Fund, IRS Settlement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) released the following statement announcing the successful negotiation of a legally enforceable document clarifying the anti-weaponization fund and the IRS audit release included in the Settlement Agreement signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche last May:

“From the outset, we were clear that we needed a written document addressing our concerns on the IRS audit agreement and the anti-weaponization fund that included constraining the scope of audit protection by limiting it to the parties of the Settlement Agreement and legally ending the anti-weaponization fund.

“We are pleased that the Department of Justice has issued a formal order terminating the anti-weaponization fund. Additionally, the Department has acknowledged in a binding written order that the audit settlement is limited to the plaintiffs and the scope does not extend beyond the defendants in the lawsuit, the IRS and the Treasury, addressing concerns that multiple of our Republican colleagues share.

“We want to express our gratitude to Mr. Blanche and his staff for working with us on this, and we look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon.”

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Tuberville, Lee Introduce Ban on Federal Funding for Child Mutilation Studies

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) in introducing legislation to prohibit the use of federal funds for any research or publication promoting gender transitions for minors. The Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act will shield American children from permanent medical and psychological damage, in line with President Trump’s pledge to keep tax dollars from child mutilation.

“Thousands of America’s children have fallen prey to the Radical Left’s woke gender ideology,” said Sen. Tuberville. “American families have been lied to for far too long as we know these surgeries cause irreversible harm. Subjecting healthy, developing children to damaging and harmful procedures without a grave medical purpose is BEYOND SICKENING. Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to pay for these extreme and reckless practices, or any of the left-wing propaganda promoting them. This vile attack on our children ends now with President Trump and his team. I’m proud to join Senator Lee in this crucial bill to stop the abuse of America’s children and enforce the President’s pro-family agenda.”

“Why is the federal bureaucracy in the child mutilation business?” said Sen. 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.”

The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), James Lankford (R-OK), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).

Students for Life Action and the American Principles Project endorsed the bill.

Read the bill here and a one-pager here.

BACKGROUND:

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.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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Tuberville, Wicker Honor Gold Star Children’s Day

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and 22 of their colleagues in celebrating the passage of a Senate resolution designating August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children’s Day, which recognizes children of fallen service members.

America’s Gold Star tradition began in World War I. When a service member deployed, his or her family would often hang a banner bearing a blue star outside the home. If the loved one was killed in combat the family replaced the blue star with a gold one. These families came to be known as Gold Star Families. In the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, nearly 625,000 Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been survived by nearly 250,000 children. Senators recognize August 1 specifically to honor these Gold Star Children.

“This country owes everything to our Gold Star heroes and their families,” said Sen. Tuberville. “It isn’t just our brave soldiers who make tremendous sacrifices when they sign up to protect our country, but their entire families. This is especially true for the children of men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Please join me in praying and looking for ways to care for the children of Gold Star heroes today and every day.”

“The sons and daughters of our fallen service members carry on the legacies of their parents. We set aside this day to honor them and to remember the sacrifices of their mothers and fathers,” said Sen. Wicker.

Sens. Tuberville and Wicker were joined by Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in joining the resolution.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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