U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Blumenthal Statement on $369 Million for RTX to Build F135 Engines
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Blumenthal Statement on $369 Million for RTX to Build F135 Engines
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[Hartford, CT] -U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released a statement following the announcement that RTX will receive a $369 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense.
"This $369 million contract is another huge win for the talented workers at Pratt & Whitney. This funding will help with the delivery of 138 F135 jet engines -crucial for our national security
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Blumenthal Statement on $369 Million for RTX to Build F135 Engines
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[Hartford, CT] -U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released a statement following the announcement that RTX will receive a $369 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense.
"This $369 million contract is another huge win for the talented workers at Pratt & Whitney. This funding will help with the delivery of 138 F135 jet engines -crucial for our national securityand keeping our servicemembers safe and equipped with the best weapons. I am thrilled, once again, to see Connecticut workers recognized by the Department of Defense as the standard bearers of defense manufacturing and will keep fighting to deliver these contracts to our state," Blumenthal said.
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Original text here: https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-369-million-for-rtx-to-build-f135-engines
Blumenthal & Murkowski Announce Inspector General Audit of DOJ's Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Blumenthal & Murkowski Announce Inspector General Audit of DOJ's Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files
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[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that, at their request, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) has initiated an audit of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Blumenthal & Murkowski Announce Inspector General Audit of DOJ's Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files
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[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that, at their request, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) has initiated an audit of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documentsrelating to Jeffrey Epstein. While survivors have called bravely and repeatedly for full transparency, DOJ has failed to comply with their requests and the law.
"This is a critical step toward the transparency and accountability survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's horrific crimes both deserve and demand," Blumenthal and Murkowski said. "In light of the continued stonewalling, an independent assessment of the Department of Justice's apparent refusal to release the full Epstein files is vital. It is frustrating that Congress has been forced to continue pressing the Department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but we will not rest until the survivors receive the justice they are entitled to."
In December, Blumenthal, Murkowski, and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume requesting the audit. The full text of their letter is available here and copied below.
Dear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume:
We write to you following the December 19 deadline imposed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the Department of Justice ("DOJ" or "the Department") to release all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. By the Department's own admission, it is in violation of the law-before DOJ had even begun to release the files, Deputy Attorney General Blanche admitted that it would not disclose them all by the December 19 deadline. And DOJ has lived up to that promise, failing to fully disclose the files in violation of the Act.
Not only has DOJ withheld files, but those records that were disclosed are largely information that was already public. Even those records are so heavily redacted that there are serious questions as to whether the Department is properly applying the limited exceptions for redaction that are permitted under the Act. Moreover, several records appear to have been removed, without explanation, from the files the Department did release.
Given the Administration's historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential. As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General ("DOJ OIG") perform an audit of the Department's compliance with the statute.
In passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act with overwhelming margins in both the House and the Senate, Congress demonstrated a clear, bipartisan mandate for public transparency in the Epstein case. The legislation expressly enumerates the limited circumstances in which withholding or redaction is permitted. Any withholding or redaction beyond those specified circumstances is against the law. But because Congress and the public do not have complete access to the Epstein documents, we are not able to fully assess for ourselves whether records were inappropriately withheld or redacted. DOJ OIG-with access to the full Epstein files and with independence from the larger Department-is ideally positioned to do a complete and independent assessment of the Administration's compliance with the Act.
Despite calls from Epstein survivors for complete release of the documents, this Administration has shown consistent hostility towards transparency and a perceived willingness to weaponize the case for political ends. In February, Attorney General ("A.G.") Bondi gave binders of supposedly newly declassified Epstein files-not to survivors, but to reported "right-wing influencers." She also claimed that Epstein's so-called "client list" was "sitting on [her] desk right now to review." Yet, in July, DOJ and FBI released an unsigned memo directly contradicting her, and claiming it had found no evidence of Epstein having kept a client list. In August, Ghislaine Maxwell was moved to a lower security prison after two days of meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. In November, President Trump expressly and publicly urged A.G. Bondi to investigate prominent Democrats and banks connected to Epstein. Just days later, A.G. Bondi announced she would follow the President's command. These actions, including inconsistent public statements about the contents of the files, have raised fundamental questions about the Department's willingness to faithfully and impartially comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. These questions have only grown in volume since the incomplete release of files on December 19.
Given DOJ OIG's ability to access the full set of Epstein files and its independence from the Department, it is ideally placed to perform an audit to ensure the Department's compliance with the law. Such an audit is essential not only to ensure the Department has acted as the law requires, but also to maintain the public's trust in the disclosure of the files and in the Department's handling of the case. Specifically, DOJ OIG should ensure that: (1) redactions were properly applied to protect all survivors; (2) redactions were not used to shield abusers, perpetrators, or enablers; (3) records were not withheld for any reason other than those enumerated in the statute; (4) all withholding of records was appropriate under the statute and narrowly tailored; and (5) the Department did not consider politics in deciding whether or how to release documents.
We appreciate your attention to this important request. Full transparency-as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors-is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein's crimes. Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department's compliance.
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Original text here: https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-murkowski-announce-inspector-general-audit-of-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files
Bennet, Justice, Fetterman, Capito, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make Hot Rotisserie Chicken SNAP Eligible
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Sen. Michael F. Bennet, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
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Bennet, Justice, Fetterman, Capito, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make Hot Rotisserie Chicken SNAP Eligible
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Washington, D.C. -Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Jim Justice (D-W.V.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) to introduce the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken with their benefits.
"Congress should be making it easier, not harder, for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Sen. Michael F. Bennet, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
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Bennet, Justice, Fetterman, Capito, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make Hot Rotisserie Chicken SNAP Eligible
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Washington, D.C. -Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Jim Justice (D-W.V.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) to introduce the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken with their benefits.
"Congress should be making it easier, not harder, forfamilies to put food on the table. This bill fixes an unnecessary barrier and helps Colorado families get a quick, nutritious meal when they need it," said Bennet.
"Allowing folks on SNAP to buy hot rotisserie chickens is truly just common sense. It's as basic as you can get to help busy parents or grandparents put something as simple as this on the table to feed their families. We have to give people the option to put a healthy, protein-dense choice on the table that actually tastes good and doesn't take an hour and a half to cook," said Justice.
"America's best (and delicious) affordability play is Costco's $4.99 rotisserie chicken. It's one of my family's favorites and I'm proud to join this bill with Senator Justice for all to try. SNAP funds would be well spent to feed our nation's families who need it," said Fetterman.
"Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken is a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves. For seniors, working families, and those without reliable access to cooking equipment, this is about convenience and dignity. With multiple states-including West Virginia-already requesting flexibility in this area, this bill brings SNAP in line with real-world needs while making smart, efficient use of taxpayer dollars," said Capito.
Rotisserie chicken is one of the best values in the grocery store and saves families significant time in meal preparation. But under current law, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot, ready-to-serve rotisserie chicken. The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act would fix that outdated policy by amending the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to add hot rotisserie chicken to the definition of eligible food.
Congressman Rick Crawford (R- Ark.), along with 20 bipartisan cosponsors, has introduced this bill in the House.
While this bill is narrowly focused on rotisserie chicken, it is part of a broader effort to modernize SNAP to better reflect how families shop and eat today. In March 2025, Bennet introduced the Hot Foods Act, which would allow low-income families and seniors to use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods more broadly.
The text of the bill is available HERE.
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Original text here: https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/04/24/bennet-justice-fetterman-capito-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-make-hot-rotisserie-chicken-snap-eligible/
Balint Leads CPC Task Force Hearing on Taxing Corporate Greed, Calls for Fairer Tax Code
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vermont, issued the following news release:
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Balint Leads CPC Task Force Hearing on Taxing Corporate Greed, Calls for Fairer Tax Code
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Ending Corporate Greed Task Force, convened a shadow hearing this week on "Visions of an Affordable Life: Taxing Corporate Greed," bringing together lawmakers and policy experts to examine how the current tax code fuels corporate profiteering and deepening inequality, and to outline potential solutions to
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vermont, issued the following news release:
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Balint Leads CPC Task Force Hearing on Taxing Corporate Greed, Calls for Fairer Tax Code
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Ending Corporate Greed Task Force, convened a shadow hearing this week on "Visions of an Affordable Life: Taxing Corporate Greed," bringing together lawmakers and policy experts to examine how the current tax code fuels corporate profiteering and deepening inequality, and to outline potential solutions toensure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.
At the hearing, Members and witnesses underscored how rising costs for working families are being driven by a tax system that rewards corporations and billionaires while leaving everyday Americans behind.
"As a former history teacher, I often mention that we are in a second Gilded Age. And we have a responsibility to do things differently because it doesn't end well. The tax code is at the center of this problem," said Rep. Balint. "If we're serious about making life more affordable and more manageable, which I am and which everyone here today is, then we have to make sure that taxes are a way to even the playing field for Americans."
"I think it is on us as Democrats, on our side of the aisle, to say no we understand this has been a long time in coming. This is a problem that we have not tended to enough and that's how we got here," Balint continued. "It doesn't make any sense for us to get the gavels back if we don't use that power to make this a more fair and equitable economy...you shouldn't have to be super wealthy and well-connected to have a good life in this country."
Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), Co-Chair of the Task Force, emphasized the role of corporate influence in shaping tax policy.
"My Republican colleagues hear what we hear when we do town halls, yet we see these policies move forward that totally ignore what [the witnesses] just talked about today," said Rep. McGovern. "My view is that is it not that they are ignorant about what the realities are, it is that they're bought and they're owned by corporate special interests. It's the money in politics."
Rep. Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Co-Chair, highlighted how the current tax code reflects misplaced priorities.
"A tax code is a statement of our values, and our values are completely upside down right now," said Rep. Dexter. "It needs to create a stable foundation for families and communities to have what they need. Instead, our current system has rewarded the wealthiest Americans and corporations, short-changes workers, as we've heard, and concentrated wealth and power at the top."
Witnesses provided data and firsthand perspectives on the consequences of an inequitable tax system.
"Americans are deeply frustrated with the tax code, not because taxes exist, but because the system feels rigged. They see corporations posting record profits while paying effective rates well below what a teacher or a nurse pays. They see billionaires treating the tax code like a game that they always win while their own costs for housing, healthcare, and childcare keep climbing," said Elizabeth Wilkins, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute. "That sense of unfairness is corrosive. It doesn't just make people angry about taxes, it erodes their belief in their government and that their government works for them at all."
Kristen Crowell, Executive Director of Families Over Billionaires, spoke to the lived experiences of working families.
"The decisions that are made here in Washington, D.C. don't stay here in Washington. They land on our kitchen tables, in community health clinics, and in the lives of ordinary people all across the country," said Crowell. "This is not Democrats and Republicans from a voter perspective. That is over. It is class warfare. And that's what it feels like to families. They feel under attack."
Zorka Milin, Policy Director at the FACT Coalition, outlined how corporations exploit loopholes.
"We analyzed this treasure trove of fresh tax data and found that 40 major American corporations reduced their tax bills by more than $11 billion through tax havens last year alone," said Milin. "These findings confirm that our tax code fails to stop big corporations from moving their profits offshore at enormous costs to our federal revenues and domestic jobs. This isn't America first. It's corporations first, Americans last."
Corey Husak, Director of Tax Policy at the Center for American Progress, pointed to structural inequities in the tax system.
"Voters say the rich aren't paying their fair share, and they're right," said Husak. "Wall Street investors already have access to low capital gains rates. Why do they need exemptions from even paying that? Many pass-through business owners, like the president, are billionaires. Why do they need a pass-through deduction giving them lower marginal tax rates than their own workers?"
Elizabeth Watson, Director of Federal Government Affairs at AFSCME, emphasized the broader impact of inequality.
"Wealth inequality in America just reached a 30-year high. Today, one-third of wealth in the US is held by 1% of Americans," said Watson. "These rich Americans have a powerful lobby in Congress fighting to rig the tax code in their favor. They're fighting to make it nearly impossible for working people to collectively bargain for their fair share."
Together, members and witnesses made clear that fixing the tax code is central to lowering costs, restoring fairness, and rebuilding trust in government.
Background
The CPC Ending Corporate Greed Task Force is focused on developing and advancing policies to hold corporations and billionaires accountable, including efforts on tax fairness, antitrust enforcement, price gouging, money in politics, and financial regulation.
The full livestream of the hearing can be viewed here.
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Original text here: https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=697
Army's M-1E3 Abrams Tank Modernization Program Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12495) on April 23, 2026, by military ground forces specialist Andrew Feickert and Army fellow Ebrima M'Bai.
Here are excerpts:
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The Army's M-1E3 Abrams Tank Modernization Program
Background
The M-1 Abrams Tank is designed to maneuver under fire and destroy enemy armored forces on the battlefield. The M-1 is named for General Creighton Abrams, a World War II armored battalion commander who later served as Army Chief of Staff from 1972 to 1974. M-1 Abrams tanks are a primary
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12495) on April 23, 2026, by military ground forces specialist Andrew Feickert and Army fellow Ebrima M'Bai.
Here are excerpts:
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The Army's M-1E3 Abrams Tank Modernization Program
Background
The M-1 Abrams Tank is designed to maneuver under fire and destroy enemy armored forces on the battlefield. The M-1 is named for General Creighton Abrams, a World War II armored battalion commander who later served as Army Chief of Staff from 1972 to 1974. M-1 Abrams tanks are a primaryweapon system in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). At present, the Active Component (AC) has 11 ABCTs, and the Army National Guard (ARNG) has 5 ABCTs. Each ABCT has 87 M-1 Abrams tanks.
The M-1 program began in 1971. In 1973, the Army awarded two contracts for prototype development to the Defense Division of Chrysler Corporation (which became General Dynamics Land Systems [GDLS] in 1982) and the Detroit Diesel Allison Division of General Motors (GM). In 1988, GDLS was awarded a contract for the M-1A2 version, and the first M-1A2s entered service in late 1992. The M-1A2 is the baseline export version of this tank. The United States has sold M-1A1 and M-1A2 variants to Australia, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia via Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and, in 2023, provided Ukraine with 31 M-1 Abrams tanks.
Ongoing M-1 Abrams Modernization Efforts
M-1 Abrams modernization efforts had been focused on fielding an M-1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP) Version 3 (v3) and developing a new M-1A2 SEPv4 variant. According to the Army, both M-1A2 SEPv3 production and M-1A2 SEPv4 development began in FY2018. In FY2020, the first unit was equipped with M-1A2 SEPv3. In 2020, GDLS received a $4.6 billion contract for SEPv3 upgrades, which are expected to be completed by June 2028.
M-1E3 Abrams Modernization Program
On September 6, 2023, the Army announced it would "close out the M-1A2 SEPv4 effort and develop the M-1E3 Abrams" (Figure 1). The Army's announcement quoted Major General Glenn Dean, program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems, describing the rationale for the Army's decision:
'The Abrams Tank can no longer grow its capabilities without adding weight, and we need to reduce its logistical footprint. The war in Ukraine has highlighted a critical need for integrated protections for soldiers, built from within instead of adding on.'
The Army announcement elaborated that the new platform
'[w]ill include the best features of the M-1A2 SEPv4 and will comply with the latest modular open systems architecture standards, allowing quicker technology upgrades and requiring fewer resources. This will enable the Army and its commercial partners to design a more survivable, lighter tank that will be more effective on the battlefield at initial fielding, and easier to upgrade in the future.'
Regarding M-1A2 SEPv3 production, the Army noted that
'the Army will continue to produce the M-1A2 SEPv3 at a reduced rate until production transitions to the M-1E3 Abrams.'
The Army originally projected achievement of M-1E3 Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2030.
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Figure 1. Early M1-E3 Prototype
Source: Ashley John, "US Army Unveils Early Abrams Prototype at North American International Auto Show," U.S. Army, January 16, 2026.
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M-1E3 Features and Capabilities
While the Army has not made public the M-1E3's design requirements, reportedly, a 2019 Army Science Board study on a future tank influenced senior Army leadership to establish the M-1E3 program. The Army Science Board study reportedly recommended a $2.9 billion, seven-year program to develop a "fifth generation combat vehicle" with proposed capabilities including the following:
* a hybrid electric drive;
* an autoloader and new main gun;
* advanced munitions, such as maneuvering hypersonic and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles;
* integrated armor protection;
* improved command, control, and networking capabilities;
* artificial intelligence (AI) applications;
* ability to pair with robotic vehicles; and
* masking capabilities to reduce the vehicle's thermal and electromagnetic signatures.
According to the Army
'At the heart of the M-1E3 Abrams is a suite of AI-powered digital engineering tools, including GenAI, which enable rapid technology integration and open systems architecture.'
The Army has said little publicly about the M1-E3's desired capabilities and features. Some reports suggest that prototypes are to feature a hybrid-electric engine and be "lighter, more fuel-efficient, AI-enabled, built for manned-unmanned teaming, and armed with a new generation of weapons." Other reports suggest the M1-E3 is to feature "an autoloader, enabling a 3-person crew (possibly with an unmanned turret)," advanced armor, an active protection system (APS) to counter enemy anti-tank systems, and integrated counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities.
Original Program Timeline
Reportedly, in early May 2024, the Army awarded a contract to GDLS allowing the Army to work closely with GDLS to shape requirements for the M-1E3. The Army planned to bring the M-1E3 into service along a similar timeline as the XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, another primary ABCT combat system. Over the next 18 months, the Army and GDLS plan to work through a number of technology maturation efforts, including autoloader capabilities for the main gun to facilitate an unmanned turret, alternate power trains, and an APS designed to protect the M-1E3 from anti-tank guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and threats from a variety of armed aerial drones and loitering munitions.
Army to Accelerate M-1E3 Modernization
Reportedly, the Army plans to accelerate the M-1E3 development timeline, with intentions to cut the timeline down to one-third of the original 2030 projection to field the M-1E3 within 24-30 months. The Army noted that integrating an autoloader for the M-1E3 may take additional time due to developmental challenges and that it wants to integrate an APS into the M-1E3 design instead of installing a separate stand-alone APS kit. As part of the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) announced in May 2025, the Army plans to further accelerate the development and delivery of the M-1E3.
M-1E3 Prototypes in 2026
Reportedly, in September 2025, the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) stated that four M-1E3 prototypes would be operational within Army formations at some point in 2026. The CSA further noted that
'the new tanks will be completely software-driven, require a smaller crew, be modular, and will be equipped with an active protection system. Once the Army receives them, crews will try the tanks out and then decide what they need.'
It was further noted that no decision had been made on which units will receive the four tank prototypes in 2026.
First M-1E3 Prototype Delivered
Reportedly, in early December 2025, GDLS delivered its first M-1E3 prototype to the Army. No further information was provided on when the other three prototypes are to be delivered.
Fall 2026 M1-E3 Testing
Reportedly, the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX, is to be the first unit to receive new prototypes of the M1-E3 for evaluation and testing this fall. Reportedly,
'The Army's largest division will take on two platoons of the XM-30, designed to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and one platoon of M-1E3 Abrams tanks by the end of the year. From there, soldiers will be "shooting, moving and communicating" at the National Training Center [NTC] at Fort Irwin, CA, through March [2027].'
FY2027 M-1E3 Budget Request
According to an Army budget briefing, the Army is requesting $474 million in Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding for acceleration of the Abrams M-1E3 program.
Potential Oversight Considerations for Congress
Potential oversight considerations for Congress could include the following:
* What is the Army's detailed program plan for reduced M-1A2 SEPv3 production, and how will funds appropriated for M-1A2 SEPv3 production be reallocated?
* What is the economic impact on the defense industrial base participating in M-1A2 SEPv3 production, in particular, the smaller companies involved in the program?
* Will the M-1E3 replace current M-1 Abrams tanks in service on a one-for-one basis, or will the Army maintain a mixed fleet of tanks?
* Will Army National Guard ABCTs receive M-1E3s?
* How many years will it take to field M-1E3s to all of the Army's ABCTs?
Additional Reference
CRS In Focus IF12094, The Army's XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (Formerly the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle [OMFV]), by Andrew Feickert and Ebrima M'Bai.
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The white paper is posted at: https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IF/PDF/IF12495/IF12495.13.pdf
[Category: CRSCRS]
Alford Leads 29 Lawmakers in Bipartisan Call to Expand B-21 Program
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Leads 29 Lawmakers in Bipartisan Call to Expand B-21 Program
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In a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) led 29 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of the B-21 Raider program in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. Global developments, including the pacing threat of the Chinese Communist Party as well as conflicts in eastern Europe and the Middle East, demand significantly
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Leads 29 Lawmakers in Bipartisan Call to Expand B-21 Program
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In a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) led 29 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of the B-21 Raider program in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. Global developments, including the pacing threat of the Chinese Communist Party as well as conflicts in eastern Europe and the Middle East, demand significantlymore B-21s than the 100 aircraft originally planned.
Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri's Fourth District, which is currently the only operating base of the B-2 stealth bomber fleet, will be among those that house the B-21.
Read the full letter here or below:
"Dear Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith:
"As the Committee reviews the Department of Defense FY 2027 budget request and drafts its recommendations for the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we wanted to voice our strong support of America's next long-range, stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider. The B-21 sets the benchmark for program performance and will outpace the highest end threats for decades to come. We recommend that the Committee fully funds the program in FY 2027 and directs the Department to reassess the current program of record. Many experts believe significantly more B-21s are needed than the 100 aircraft planned at the program's award in 2015. Reevaluating the program of record requirement in light of global developments is appropriate at this time.
"The B-21 is a masterpiece of American innovation and is China's pacing threat, key to both American deterrence and victory in future conflicts. This sixth-generation aircraft will be the backbone of the U.S. Air Force as a daily flyer and offering a combination of range, payload, and survivability. Long-range precision strike capabilities will afford Combatant Commanders the ability to hold any target, anywhere in the world at risk.
"The B-21 government and industry team continue to make tremendous progress. The first two test aircraft have flown at Edwards Air Force and performed like the simulator, reflecting the precision of the B-21 digital ecosystem. Two ground test assets have completed structures testing and progressing with fatigue testing. Low-rate initial production is underway, building off the production-representative test assets. The all-American, nationwide B-21 Industry Team has invested over $7 billion to support the program and span across 40 states and more than 400 suppliers.
"We urge the Committee to fully fund the program in FY 2027. If additional resources become available, we encourage the Committees to consider funding additional B-21 modernization activities to ensure the program outpaces evolving threats in the future.
"We further recommend that the FY 2027 NDAA directs the Department to reassess and validate an increase to the current B-21 Raider Program of Record to ensure that it supports the National Defense Strategy, meets the future mission requirements identified by U.S. Strategic Command, and aligns with the investment to accelerate and expand B-21 production capacity, as provided in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted on July 4, 2025.
"Thank you for your consideration of this request."
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Original text here: https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1579
ActBlue CEO Invited to Testify in Public Hearing
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisconsin, chairman of the House Administration Committee, issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
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ActBlue CEO Invited to Testify in Public Hearing
Today, Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01) sent a letter to ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones requesting her testimony in a public hearing over fraud concerns on the Democrat fundraising platform.
Earlier this week, the Committee on House Administration, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued a joint
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisconsin, chairman of the House Administration Committee, issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
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ActBlue CEO Invited to Testify in Public Hearing
Today, Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01) sent a letter to ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones requesting her testimony in a public hearing over fraud concerns on the Democrat fundraising platform.
Earlier this week, the Committee on House Administration, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued a jointreport detailing the mass exodus of compliance and legal staff at ActBlue following the 2024 election. The report also revealed that every current or former ActBlue employee who participated in joint committee depositions asserted their Fifth Amendment right during questioning.
This follows a bombshell report from the New York Times earlier this month alleging Ms. Wallace-Jones may have intentionally misled the House Administration Committee shortly after Chairman Steil launched this investigation in 2023.
The hearing with Ms. Wallace-Jones is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Excerpts from the letter read:
"As you are aware, the Committee (in conjunction with the Committees on the Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform) has been investigating ActBlue's donor verification policies and procedures, including the platform's fraud prevention services since October 2023."
"The Committee is considering potential legislative reforms to address fraudulent and illegal political donations made using online fundraising platforms such as ActBlue."
"As Chief Executive Officer of ActBlue, the Committee believes you may have information pertinent to its investigation. Based upon recent reporting, it appears that ActBlue's production to the Committee's July 2025 subpoena was deliberately incomplete."
"There are outstanding questions about whether and how ActBlue has remedied its 'fundamentally unserious approach to fraud prevention.' Accordingly, the Committee requests your prompt assistance in providing information vital to its oversight and investigatory duties."
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Background:
Read the full ActBlue investigation timeline here.
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April 23, 2026
Ms. Regina Wallace-Jones
Chief Executive Officer
ActBlue
c/o Vincent Cohen
Dechert LLP
1900 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
The Committee on House Administration (the Committee) invites you to testify at a full committee hearing. The Committee has jurisdiction over federal elections generally, including federal campaign finance law.1 As you are aware, the Committee (in conjunction with the Committees on the Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform) has been investigating ActBlue's donor verification policies and procedures, including the platform's fraud prevention services since October 2023.2 The Committee is considering potential legislative reforms to address fraudulent and illegal political donations made using online fundraising platforms such as ActBlue.
As Chief Executive Officer of ActBlue, the Committee believes you may have information pertinent to its investigation. Based upon recent reporting, it appears that ActBlue's production to the Committee's July 2025 subpoena was deliberately incomplete.
3 There are outstanding questions about whether and how ActBlue has remedied its "fundamentally unserious approach to fraud prevention."4 Accordingly, the Committee requests your prompt assistance in providing information vital to its oversight and investigatory duties.5
This hearing will begin at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Please arrive thirty minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin and check in with the Committee Clerk in room 1309 of the Longworth House Office Building.
In preparation for the hearing, I ask that you provide the Committee with an electronic copy of your biography, testimony, and completed Truth in Testimony form in PDF format. Please provide your materials no later than 6:00 PM EST on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Along with this information, please indicate the names of staff or associates who may attend the hearing with you so that the Committee may make seating arrangements for them.
While your oral remarks will be limited to five minutes, your written testimony may be as long as you wish. Following your testimony, each Member of the Committee will have the opportunity to ask questions for five minutes.
Please confirm attendance no later than Thursday, April 30, 2026. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and the Committee looks forward to hosting you.
Sincerely,
Bryan Steil
Chairman
Committee on House Administration
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1 Rules of the House of Representatives, Rule X, Clause 1(k)(12), 119th Cong. (Jan. 16, 2025).
2 See Letter from Rep. Bryan Steil, Chairman, Comm. on H. Admin., to Ms. Regina Wallace-Jones, CEO, ActBlue (Oct. 31, 2023); Letter from Rep. Bryan Steil, Chairman, Comm. on H. Admin., to Ms. Regina Wallace-Jones, CEO, ActBlue (Oct. 28, 2024); STAFF OF THE COMM. ON H. ADMIN., H. COMM. ON THE JUDICIARY, & H. COMM. ON OVERSIGHT & GOV'T REFORM, 119TH CONG., FRAUD ON ACTBLUE: HOW THE DEMOCRATS' TOP FUNDRAISING PLATFORM OPENS THE DOOR FOR ILLEGAL ELECTION CONTRIBUTIONS (Comm. Print Apr. 2, 2025); Letter from Rep. Bryan Steil, Chairman, Comm. on H. Admin., Rep. Jim Jordan, Chairman, H. Comm. on the Judiciary, & Rep. James Comer, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight and Gov't Reform, to Ms. Regina Wallace-Jones, CEO, ActBlue (Apr. 2, 2025); Letter from Rep. Bryan Steil, Chairman, Comm. on H. Admin., Rep. Jim Jordan, Chairman, H. Comm. on the Judiciary, & Rep. James Comer, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight and Gov't Reform, to Ms. Regina Wallace-Jones, CEO, ActBlue (July 22, 2025) (attaching subpoena); Letter from Rep. Bryan Steil, Chairman, Comm. on H. Admin., Rep. Jim Jordan, Chairman, H. Comm. on the Judiciary, & Rep. James Comer, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight and Gov't Reform, to Ms. Regina Wallace-Jones, CEO, ActBlue (Apr. 14, 2026).
3 See Reid J. Epstein & Shane Goldmacher, ActBlue May Have Misled Congress on Vetting Foreign Donations, Its Lawyers Warned, N.Y. TIMES (Apr. 2, 2026); Alec Schemmel, Dem fundraising giant ActBlue rocked by allegations it misled Congress about foreign donations, FOX NEWS (Apr. 3, 2026); STAFF OF THE COMM. ON H. ADMIN., H. COMM. ON THE JUDICIARY, & H. COMM. ON OVERSIGHT & GOV'T REFORM, 119TH CONG., FRAUD ON ACTBLUE, PART II: ILLICIT FOREIGN DONATIONS AND A COVER-UP SPUR MASS RESIGNATIONS AND FIRINGS ON ACTBLUE'S LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE TEAM (Comm. Print Apr. 20, 2026).
4 STAFF OF THE COMM. ON H. ADMIN., H. COMM. ON THE JUDICIARY, & H. COMM. ON OVERSIGHT & GOV'T REFORM, 119TH CONG., FRAUD ON ACTBLUE: HOW THE DEMOCRATS' TOP FUNDRAISING PLATFORM OPENS THE DOOR FOR ILLEGAL ELECTION CONTRIBUTIONS, at 1 (Comm. Print Apr. 2, 2025).
5 See also Rules of the House of Representatives, Rule XI, clause 2(m)(1)(B), 119th Cong. (Jan. 16, 2025).
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Original text here: https://cha.house.gov/press-releases?ID=00DC928C-5758-46DD-81B5-941C17FF3CD0
