Congress
U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Committee on Small Business Announces April Hearing Schedule
WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, chairman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:* * *
Committee on Small Business Announces April Hearing Schedule
Today, the House Committee on Small Business announced its April hearing schedule.
Full Committee Hearing: "Lower Taxes, Stronger Main Street: The Benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts"
* Date & Time: Wednesday, April 15th at 10:00 AM ET
* Location: Hearing Room, 2360 Rayburn House Office Building
Full Committee Hearing: "Independent Work, Real Opportunity: The Gig Economy ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, chairman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026: * * * Committee on Small Business Announces April Hearing Schedule Today, the House Committee on Small Business announced its April hearing schedule. Full Committee Hearing: "Lower Taxes, Stronger Main Street: The Benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts" * Date & Time: Wednesday, April 15th at 10:00 AM ET * Location: Hearing Room, 2360 Rayburn House Office Building Full Committee Hearing: "Independent Work, Real Opportunity: The Gig Economyand the Future of Entrepreneurship"
* Date & Time: Tuesday, April 21st, at 10:00 AM ET
* Location: Hearing Room, 2360 Rayburn House Office Building
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development Subcommittee Hearing: "Main Street Meets Crypto: What Digital Assets Mean for Small Businesses"
* Date & Time: Wednesday, April 22nd, at 10:00 AM ET
* Location: Hearing Room, 2360 Rayburn House Office Building
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Original text here: https://smallbusiness.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=407402
CHC Members Lead Amicus Brief to DC Court of Appeals Defending Taxpayer Privacy Against IRS-ICE Information Sharing
WASHINGTON, April 1 -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:* * *
CHC Members Lead Amicus Brief to DC Court of Appeals Defending Taxpayer Privacy Against IRS-ICE Information Sharing
CHC Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Sens. Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade Ranking Member Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38), and Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) lead 115 colleagues on amicus filing.
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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) led XX House and Senate Democrats in filing a bicameral amicus brief standing ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 1 -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following news release on March 31, 2026: * * * CHC Members Lead Amicus Brief to DC Court of Appeals Defending Taxpayer Privacy Against IRS-ICE Information Sharing CHC Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Sens. Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade Ranking Member Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38), and Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) lead 115 colleagues on amicus filing. * The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) led XX House and Senate Democrats in filing a bicameral amicus brief standingup for the essential principle of taxpayer privacy in Center for Taxpayer Rights v. IRS, currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit.
The Democratic lawmakers argued that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) implementation of bulk data transfers to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for immigration enforcement violates the privacy protections of taxpayers enshrined by Congress in section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code.
For nearly 30 years, across administrations of both parties, the IRS publicly assured taxpayers their data would be protected, reflecting Congress's repeated decision to prioritize voluntary compliance with our tax laws over immigration enforcement efforts.
"The data sharing here was illegal and threatens federal government revenues, adversely affecting all taxpayers. It would also compromise taxpayer privacy and raise the possibility of grave consequences for individuals misidentified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE"), chilling participation in the tax system, impacting our constituents, and destroying public trust,"wrote the amici curiae.
"Taxpayer privacy is the foundation of a functioning tax system. Congress wrote laws that make the tax system a lockbox against abuses, and no Administration has the legal authority to simply ignore them. We are making clear to the D.C. Circuit that Congress means what it wrote," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
"The IRS's decision to share taxpayer data with DHS is in direct contradiction with the law and does absolutely nothing to keep Americans safe. Instead, it has struck fear in hardworking immigrant communities and led to a lack of trust in the government to protect taxpayer privacy. I urge the Court to swiftly hold this Administration accountable for its violations of the law," said Senator Cortez Masto.
"The IRS' agreement to turn over massive amounts of sensitive taxpayer data to ICE is dangerous, un-American, and illegal," said Senator Padilla. "This reckless, mistake-prone system has almost certainly sent DHS agents after hardworking immigrants and citizens alike who are following the law, paying taxes, and contributing to our economy. We will keep fighting to hold the Trump Administration accountable for this gross violation of the law and harmful erosion of public trust."
"This case is pretty cut and dry: the IRS broke the law. By handing taxpayer data over to DHS, the Trump administration not only violated clear privacy protections and put taxpayers' personal data at risk but also betrayed decades of trust and undermined confidence in our entire tax system," said Rep. Linda Sanchez, Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade.
"I've been pushing back on Trump's effort to turn the IRS into another arm of his mass deportation machine since it was first uncovered because families should be able to file their taxes without fearing their private information will be used against them," said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. "This case is about whether the Administration can ignore the law and undermine trust in the tax system for millions of people who file and pay their taxes every year. The Court should reject this abuse of power and uphold the privacy protections Congress put in place."
Taxpayers without Social Security Numbers paid $59 billion in federal income taxes in 2022 alone, and the Yale Budget Lab estimates the policy could cost more than $300 billion in lost tax revenue through 2035.
This brief is part of a sustained, coordinated effort to defend the taxpayer privacy protections Congress established nearly fifty years ago. Last week's filing marks the fourth CHC-led amicus filed in court cases pushing back against IRS-DHS data sharing efforts during the second Trump administration.
The full brief is available HERE (https://chc.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/congressionalhispaniccaucus.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/ctr-v-irs-115-members-of-congress-amicus-brief-filed.pdf).
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About the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC)
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is over 42 members strong. The CHC serves as a forum for the Hispanic Members of Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda. The Caucus is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information, please visit chc.house.gov.
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Original text here: https://chc.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chc-members-lead-amicus-brief-dc-court-appeals-defending-taxpayer
Chairman Cassidy Expands Oversight Into Democrats' Cybersecurity Failures, Sounds Alarm on Minnesota Governor Walz
WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following news on March 31, 2026:* * *
Chairman Cassidy Expands Oversight into Democrats' Cybersecurity Failures, Sounds Alarm on Minnesota Governor Walz
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, slammed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after his state's health department recklessly exposed hundreds of thousands of patients' private data.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following news on March 31, 2026: * * * Chairman Cassidy Expands Oversight into Democrats' Cybersecurity Failures, Sounds Alarm on Minnesota Governor Walz U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, slammed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after his state's health department recklessly exposed hundreds of thousands of patients' private data. The Minnesota Department of Human Services(DHS) recently admitted a cyberbreach exposed 300,000 Americans' private data, including highly sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and medical data.
"Cyber criminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to this data, potentially using it to interrupt care and commit fraud," wrote Dr. Cassidy. "As hostile actors use more sophisticated methods to obtain health information, government stewards of protected health information (PHI) must all take robust steps to deter these attacks."
Some states have repeatedly failed to protect families' private and oftentimes sensitive information from cyber criminals. Cassidy recently called out Illinois Governor JB Pritzker after his health department repeatedly allowed more than a million American's private information to be accessed and failed to notify consumers within the required period under the law.
Earlier this Congress, the HELP Committee passed Cassidy's Health Care Cybersecurity and Resilience Act to further protect Americans' health data. He has investigated several cybersecurity lapses, including those by OPEXUS and UnitedHealth Group.
Read the full letter here (https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/letter_to_minnesota_department_of_human_services.pdf) or below:
Dear Commissioner Gandhi:
Protecting the privacy and security of sensitive health information is essential to ensure that patients receive the best care and that their information is not misused. Cyber criminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to this data, potentially using it to interrupt care and commit fraud. In 2025, there were 628 reported health care data breaches. As hostile actors use more sophisticated methods to obtain health information, government stewards of protected health information (PHI) must all take robust steps to deter these attacks.
The recent announcement by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) raises questions about its commitment to data security. On January 16, 2026, the Minnesota DHS disclosed that the PHI of over 300,000 individuals had been accessed by a third-party vendor without authorization. Of those 300,000, over 1,200 individuals had sensitive information such as Social Security and medical information accessed.
The Minnesota DHS has thus far been unable to fully identify what information was accessed for each impacted individual. The Minnesota DHS has also declined to offer free credit monitoring services to impacted individuals, despite recommending individuals request a copy of their credit report.
Minnesota DHS provides support to Minnesota residents, including food, health care, housing, and child care services. Given Minnesota DHS' role in helping vulnerable communities, its failure to identify the full scope of the incident and offer basic remedial support in light of a cybersecurity incident is unacceptable. To that end, I request answers to the following questions by April 14, 2026.
1. Minnesota DHS has stated that it first became aware of the security incident it disclosed on January 16, 2026 on November 19, 2025.
a. What immediate steps did Minnesota DHS take to respond to the incident?
b. Did Minnesota DHS notify any state or federal entities? If so, please provide a list of those entities and when Minnesota DHS notified them.
2. Minnesota DHS has indicated that the security incident was a result of a third party "access[ing] more data than was reasonably necessary."
a. What steps has Minnesota DHS taken to identify information affected by the security incident?
b. What security practices does Minnesota DHS employ to ensure its infrastructure has adequate security protocols in place?
c. Does Minnesota DHS conduct any security audits of its information technology (IT) infrastructure? If so, when was the last time Minnesota DHS conducted an audit, and what was the conclusion of that audit?
d. Minnesota DHS has stated that it has "implemented additional technical safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future." What technical safeguards does Minnesota DHS intend to implement?
3. Minnesota DHS has recommended that impacted individuals request access to their credit reports to monitor potentially suspicious transactions. Minnesota DHS, however, has declined to provide free credit monitoring "due to the limited nature of the data accessed."
a. Why did Minnesota DHS decline to provide free credit monitoring?
b. Has Minnesota DHS committed to providing any other support to impacted entities? If so, what support has Minnesota DHS committed to providing?
Sincerely,
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Original text here: https://www.help.senate.gov/rep/newsroom/press/chairman-cassidy-expands-oversight-into-democrats-cybersecurity-failures-sounds-alarm-on-minnesota-governor-walz
Cantwell, Sullivan, Colleagues Introduce Sportfish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety and Wildlife Restoration Act
WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:* * *
Cantwell, Sullivan, Colleagues Introduce Sportfish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety and Wildlife Restoration Act
Bill supports fishery restoration and conservation programs and improvements to boating access and infrastructure
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U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026: * * * Cantwell, Sullivan, Colleagues Introduce Sportfish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety and Wildlife Restoration Act Bill supports fishery restoration and conservation programs and improvements to boating access and infrastructure * U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a memberof the Commerce Committee, have introduced the bipartisan Sportfish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2026. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). The bill would reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which supports more than $600 million annually in fishery restoration and conservation programs, boating access and infrastructure, as well as fish stocking programs important to anglers.
"Washington's outdoor economy depends on healthy fisheries and safe waterways," said Sen. Cantwell. "This bipartisan bill keeps more than $600 million flowing each year to support fish restoration, hatcheries and boating safety. Recreational fishing supports thousands of jobs across our state--this reauthorization protects those jobs and keeps our communities strong."
"Alaska is home to the most incredible sport fishing opportunities anywhere on the planet," said Sen. Sullivan. "Alaska residents and thousands of visitors from across the country and around the world flock to our rivers, lakes, and endless miles of coastline each year for the experience of a lifetime. The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund helps ensure we continue to protect and sustain the world-class aquatic ecosystems that provide these experiences by supporting essential conservation, research, and management initiatives. Over the past five years alone, Alaska has received nearly $124 million--an average of more than $20 million annually--from the fund. I'm glad to introduce bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to reauthorize this important Trust Fund to provide access for anglers and help keep Alaska's waters healthy for generations far into the future."
Funds authorized by this legislation are used for grants to state fish and wildlife agencies for restoration, conservation and infrastructure improvements, as well as Coast Guard grants to improve boating safety and search and rescue efforts by state agencies. The Dingell-Johnson Sportfish Restoration Act was passed in 1950 to authorize the collection of funds generated from excise taxes on equipment used for fishing, and to distribute those funds to states and territories to support conservation and outdoor recreation programs. Under the authority of the Dingell-Johnson Act, funds are collected and deposited in the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
In 2026, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) received $8.9 million from the Trust Fund. The funds support projects including:
1. Fisheries management and research
2. Hatchery salmon and trout production
3. Comprehensive fisheries sampling and monitoring
4. Rehabilitation efforts to restore fish populations and their habitat
5. Efforts to inspect, maintain, and repair fish screens throughout the state
6. Maintenance of 700 fishing access areas statewide
"On behalf of the American Sportfishing Association, we thank Senators Cantwell and Sullivan for introducing the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund Reauthorization Act," said Glenn Hughes, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. "For 76 years, the sportfishing industry has proudly contributed to this program through the federal excise tax on fishing equipment, creating a powerful, self-sustaining model for conservation. These funds are critical to supporting state-led fisheries management, expanding public access, and maintaining healthy fish populations. Reauthorizing this program ensures that anglers and the broader outdoor recreation community can continue to rely on strong fisheries and accessible waters for generations to come."
"NMMA applauds Senators Sullivan and Cantwell for their bipartisan leadership in introducing legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund," said Clay Crabtree, interim vice president of public policy and government relations at the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). "For more than 75 years, this user-pay, public-benefit program has been the backbone of conservation and boating infrastructure in all 50 states, supporting access to our nation's waterways and strengthening local economies. As lawmakers look to support America's outdoor recreation future, reauthorizing and modernizing this program is essential to ensuring that boaters and anglers continue to have safe, reliable access to public waters while supporting the small businesses and manufacturers that power the uniquely American recreational boating industry."
"As the largest payers into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund via the motor fuel tax, America's boat owners appreciate the support of Congress in continuing this highly successful program," said David Kennedy, BoatUS. "Boaters understand the value of keeping our waters accessible, safe, clean, and most importantly, fun. This is why BoatUS supports this legislation and applauds its sponsors."
"We applaud the Senate's introduction of legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, a critical step in ensuring resource continuity for state-led fisheries management," said Paul Johansen, chief of the wildlife resources section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and president of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. "Funded by excise taxes on sportfishing equipment and motorboat and small engine fuel use, the Fund apportionments to state fish and wildlife agencies support the state fisheries data collection, stocking, and habitat projects needed to conserve fish populations and provide quality recreational fishing opportunities for the public."
"Every time a recreational boater fills up before a day on the water, they are supporting the important work done by the SFRBTF, ultimately playing a role in the conservation and restoration of crucial habitat and improving access for recreational boaters," said Matt Gruhn, president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. "Clean waters, healthy fisheries, and access to both are critical to ensuring the recreational fishing and boating industry remains strong, and the work done by the SFRBTF continues to ensure that those priorities remain in check, further underscoring the importance of reauthorization. We cannot thank Senators Sullivan and Cantwell enough for their leadership in spearheading the reauthorization of this pivotal program."
"The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, together with fishing license revenues, serves as the cornerstone of state-led fisheries conservation across the United States," said Taylor Schmitz, senior vice president of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. "This uniquely American model has proven extraordinarily effective in sustaining aquatic resources and providing critical access. We commend Senators Sullivan and Cantwell, along with the bill's original cosponsors, for their leadership in advancing the reauthorization and long-term protection of this vital program for future generations."
Then Chair of the Commerce Committee, Sen. Cantwell led the reauthorization of this legislation in 2021 with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
The bill text is HERE (https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/20B68A24-CFE4-4B1D-8D05-31ABCA13C927).
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2026/3/cantwell-sullivan-colleagues-introduce-sportfish-restoration-recreational-boating-safety-and-wildlife-restoration-act
Budzinski Statement on Granite City Works Restarting Steel Production
WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:* * *
Budzinski Statement on Granite City Works Restarting Steel Production
SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement as steel production resumes at Granite City Works for the first time in two years.
"After more than two years of relentless advocacy, Granite City Works is coming back to life. Blast Furnace B has officially restarted, and 500 workers have returned to the mill - once again producing the steel that helps power our ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026: * * * Budzinski Statement on Granite City Works Restarting Steel Production SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement as steel production resumes at Granite City Works for the first time in two years. "After more than two years of relentless advocacy, Granite City Works is coming back to life. Blast Furnace B has officially restarted, and 500 workers have returned to the mill - once again producing the steel that helps power ournation.
"Throughout this process, I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the USW to demand investment and opportunity - and to make clear that U.S. Steel could not turn its back on this community. This victory would not be possible without those workers.
"And we're not done yet. I'll keep working alongside them to protect this progress and secure the long-term commitment Granite City deserves."
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Original text here: https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-statement-on-granite-city-works-restarting-steel-production
Budzinski and Fischbach Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Biomanufacturing
WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:* * *
Budzinski and Fischbach Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Biomanufacturing
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act to strengthen the domestic supply chain and create new markets for American farmers by incentivizing the production of biobased chemicals and materials.
While the United States has made significant strides in biofuels, many ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026: * * * Budzinski and Fischbach Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Biomanufacturing SPRINGFIELD, IL - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act to strengthen the domestic supply chain and create new markets for American farmers by incentivizing the production of biobased chemicals and materials. While the United States has made significant strides in biofuels, manyother everyday products, from plastics to industrial chemicals, remain dependent on foreign petroleum. The legislation aims to bridge that gap by providing tax incentives for companies that use American-grown biomass to create renewable materials.
"From innovative materials to lifesaving therapies, the biomanufacturing industry is making breakthroughs every day," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "As the representative of America's 'Silicorn Valley' in Central and Southern Illinois, I know how important it is to grow our country's leadership in this expanding field. I'm proud to be leading a bipartisan effort alongside Congresswoman Fischbach to drive investments in biomanufacturing that will have wide-reaching benefits for farmers, rural economies, consumers, and the environment."
"This legislation is a crucial step in supporting our farmers and manufacturers," said Congresswoman Fischbach. "By providing tax incentives, we can drive investment into rural communities, reduce our reliance on petroleum-based products, and strengthen our national supply chain using American-grown resources."
The Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act allows taxpayers to choose the incentive that best fits their business model:
* Production Support: A tax credit of $0.10 per pound for renewable materials produced and sold, up to $10 million a year, or
* Investment Support: A 30% investment tax credit to help offset the capital costs of constructing or retrofitting manufacturing plants.
This legislation ensures that American businesses have the support they need to lead the world in renewable material production.
This legislation has significant support from outside groups:
"America's farmers and innovators are uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of renewable materials and domestic manufacturing. This legislation helps unlock that potential by supporting investment in U.S. biomanufacturing facilities producing plant-based products from a range of agricultural commodities. These products reduce reliance on fossil resources, strengthen critical supply chains, and support vibrant rural economies," said Plant Based Products Council Executive Director James Glueck. "By making it easier to scale biobased manufacturing here at home, Congress can ensure the United States leads the globe while making renewable materials, chemicals, and products more accessible and affordable for American consumers."
"The U.S. corn refining industry plays a critical role in transforming American-grown crops into the ingredients and biobased materials that support food, agriculture, and a growing bioeconomy. This legislation recognizes the importance of domestic manufacturing and provides the certainty needed to invest in new technologies and facilities that expand the production of renewable chemicals and materials," said Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode. "By strengthening U.S. supply chains and supporting innovation, Congress can help ensure America remains a global leader in biobased manufacturing while delivering economic benefits for farmers, workers, and communities across the country."
"Illinois corn farmers are ready to lead in the next generation of American manufacturing, and this legislation from Congresswomen Budzinski and Fischbach is a critical step forward," said Illinois farmer and IL Corn Growers Association President Mark Bunselmeyer. "By investing in biobased products and expanding access to biorefinery funding, we're creating new markets for corn and strengthening rural economies. At a time of global instability, this effort also helps reduce reliance on petroleum-based products and strengthens our domestic energy and supply chain security. This is about more than fuel--it's about turning homegrown corn into innovative products that drive jobs, sustainability, and long-term demand for agriculture."
"Corn growers are very appreciative of Representatives Fischbach and Budzinski for introducing this legislation that will diversify demand for our farmers, strengthen rural economies and support domestic manufacturing. Boosting market opportunities for bioproducts made from agricultural feedstocks creates new revenue streams for growers of many different crops," said National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower.
"This legislation offers an important opportunity to ensure American innovation leads to American economic development," said Ag Bioeconomy Coalition Spokesperson Danielle Beck. "Providing robust ag bioeconomy infrastructure in the U.S. will create new jobs in rural communities, support farm income, and protect American national security. American agriculture leads the world in productivity and sustainability; it's time we also lead the world in bioeconomy investment and innovation. We are grateful to Representatives Fischbach and Budzinski for their bipartisan leadership on behalf of rural America."
You can find text of the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act HERE (https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/budzinski.house.gov/uploads/2026/03/Biobased-Chemical-Bill.pdf).
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Original text here: https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-and-fischbach-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-bolster-biomanufacturing
Warren Statement on Trump Department of Labor Proposed Rule to Shove Risky Assets Into Americans' Retirements
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:* * *
Warren Statement on Trump Department of Labor Proposed Rule to Shove Risky Assets Into Americans' Retirements
Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, issued a statement on the Department of Labor's proposed rule that would expose Americans' retirement accounts to private markets and cryptocurrencies:
"As cracks emerge ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026: * * * Warren Statement on Trump Department of Labor Proposed Rule to Shove Risky Assets Into Americans' Retirements Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, issued a statement on the Department of Labor's proposed rule that would expose Americans' retirement accounts to private markets and cryptocurrencies: "As cracks emergein the private credit market, private equity returns fall to 16-year lows, and crypto keeps tumbling, President Trump has decided now is the time to stick all of these risky assets into Americans' 401(k)s. Americans facing an uncertain future in Trump's economy will now have more reasons to question the security of their retirement savings - all so that Trump's Wall Street buddies have another pile of cash to play with. Anyone who cares about the financial security of working people should oppose this proposed rule."
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Original text here: https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/warren-statement-on-trump-department-of-labor-proposed-rule-to-shove-risky-assets-into-americans-retirements
Warren Questions Commerce Secretary Lutnick on National Security Risks Posed by Chinese Chip Company With Reported Ties to the Trump Family
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release:* * *
Warren Questions Commerce Secretary Lutnick on National Security Risks Posed by Chinese Chip Company with Reported Ties to the Trump Family
"As Congress considers digital asset market structure legislation, we must ensure that politically connected crypto interests do not receive special treatment and undermine our national security."
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U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: * * * Warren Questions Commerce Secretary Lutnick on National Security Risks Posed by Chinese Chip Company with Reported Ties to the Trump Family "As Congress considers digital asset market structure legislation, we must ensure that politically connected crypto interests do not receive special treatment and undermine our national security." * U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking,Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, questioning the Department's efforts to address national security risks posed by the Chinese chip company Bitmain--a manufacturer of cryptocurrency mining hardware--especially as it maintains close ties to American Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency mining venture co-founded by President Trump's son, Eric Trump.
The Senator emphasized that Bitmain presents serious national security risks. Last year, the Department of Commerce blacklisted Sophgo Technologies Ltd. ("Sophgo"), an affiliate of Bitmain, for "acting at the behest of Beijing to further the [China's] goals of indigenous advanced chip production, which poses a risk to U.S. and allied national security." Recent reports have also described federal investigations into whether Bitmain equipment could pose risks to U.S. infrastructure, including the possibility that certain devices could be remotely manipulated or create vulnerabilities in the power grid.
"Facing potential investigations, Bitmain's strategy has reportedly been to enter into 'an alliance with one of President Donald Trump's children,' specifically Eric Trump, who is the cofounder of the crypto mining company American Bitcoin., In a recent interview, sitting next to his business partner Eric Trump, American Bitcoin CEO Michael Ho confirmed that Bitmain 'has been a leading manufacturer for us.'" wrote the Senator.
"Bitmain gave Eric Trump's American Bitcoin 'unusual' terms, including exchanging hundreds of million dollars worth of equipment for future, 'pledged,' Bitcoin rather than cash--a deal that some industry experts viewed as 'distinctly generous to American Bitcoin.'" wrote the Senator. "As reports have summarized, this 'underscores the Trump sons' business dealings with Bitmain, presenting another potential conflict of interest for the president as his family explores new ventures in cryptocurrencies while his administration is loosening restrictions on them."'
The Senator concluded: "It is unclear what steps, if any, the Commerce Department is taking to address Bitmain's potential national security concerns. In light of Trump family ties to the company, it is more important than ever that the Commerce Department is transparent regarding its actions surrounding Bitmain. National security decisions on U.S. export controls and trade laws must be insulated from improper political influence."
The Senator requests written responses to understand the actions that the Commerce Department has taken to assess whether to take any enforcement actions against Bitmain and Sophgo by April 9, 2026.
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March 26, 2026
To: The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20230
Dear Mr. Lutnick:
I write to request information regarding the Commerce Department's efforts, if any, to address national security concerns posed by the Chinese chip company Bitmain--a manufacturer of cryptocurrency mining hardware with close ties to American Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency mining venture cofounded by President Trump's son, Eric Trump. On March 17, 2026, Bloomberg reported that an investigation into whether Bitmain equipment "could be remotely controlled and used to damage the power grid or repurposed for espionage . . . continued at least into the early months of Trump's second term, prompting discussions in the National Security Council."1 As Congress considers digital asset market structure legislation, we must ensure that politically connected crypto interests do not receive special treatment and undermine our national security.
The Commerce Department plays an important role in protecting U.S. economic and national security, including through export controls and authorities to secure U.S. supply chains.2 The Department of Commerce exercised its authority as recently as last year, when it blacklisted Sophgo Technologies Ltd. ("Sophgo"), an affiliate of Bitmain, for "acting at the behest of Beijing to further the [China's] goals of indigenous advanced chip production, which poses a risk to U.S. and allied national security."3 The Department of Commerce also has authorities to investigate foreign threats to information and communications technology and services.4 Finally, the Department of Commerce plays a role in interagency deliberations, including at the National Security Council, around technology companies as well as information and communications equipment linked to China.
Bitmain, the "world's largest manufacturer of crypto mining hardware," poses potential risks to national security--and by extension--the American economy.5 Bitmain controls 90% of the market for Bitcoin mining computers, which are bundled up into massive, energy-extensive warehouses to process crypto transactions and produce new tokens.6 Bitmain's affiliate has been linked to the diversion of advanced AI chips to China's military.7 According to a recent Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report, Bitmain itself had "connections to the CCP" and its facilities could give China an "opportunity to pursue a full suite of intelligence collection activities."8 Recent reports also describe investigations into whether Bitmain's equipment "could be remotely controlled and used to damage the power grid."9
Facing potential investigations, Bitmain's strategy has reportedly been to enter into "an alliance with one of President Donald Trump's children," specifically Eric Trump, who is the cofounder of the crypto mining company American Bitcoin.10 In a recent interview, sitting next to his business partner Eric Trump, American Bitcoin CEO Michael Ho confirmed that Bitmain "has been a leading manufacturer for us."11 But Bitmain reportedly "presents American Bitcoin more as a partner than as a simple customer."12 Specifically, Bitmain gave Eric Trump's American Bitcoin "unusual" terms, including exchanging hundreds of million dollars worth of equipment for future, "pledged," Bitcoin rather than cash--a deal that some industry experts viewed as "distinctly generous to American Bitcoin."13 As reports have summarized, this "underscores the Trump sons' business dealings with Bitmain, presenting another potential conflict of interest for the president as his family explores new ventures in cryptocurrencies while his administration is loosening restrictions on them."14
It is unclear what steps, if any, the Commerce Department is taking to address Bitmain's potential national security concerns. In light of Trump family ties to the company, it is more important than ever that the Commerce Department is transparent regarding its actions surrounding Bitmain. National security decisions on U.S. export controls and trade laws must be insulated from improper political influence.
In effort to better understand considerations that the Commerce Department has taken to assess whether to use enforcement action against Bitmain and Sophgo, I ask you to answer the following questions by April 9, 2026:
1. Provide copies of all communications, including but not limited to emails, text messages, phone call and meeting records, and calendar appointments, between any employee of the Department of Commerce and any employee of Bitmain between January 20, 2025, and March 26, 2025.
2. Provide copies of all communications, including but not limited to emails, text messages, phone call and meeting records, and calendar appointments, between any employee of the Department of Commerce and any employee of American Bitcoin between January 20, 2025, and March 26, 2025. To the extent such communications exist, did any reference or refer to Bitmain?
3. Provide copies of all communications, including but not limited to emails, text messages, phone call and meeting records, and calendar appointments, between any employee of the Department of Commerce and any member of President Trump's immediate family, including Eric Trump, between January 20, 2025, and March 26, 2025.
4. Given BIS's January 2025 addition of Sophgo Technologies Ltd. to the Entity List, what additional actions will BIS take to address potential national security risks from Bitmain and People's Republic of China (PRC)-linked digital asset mining equipment?
5. Do you agree that digital asset mining equipment "designed, developed, manufactured or supplied by entities under the ownership or control of, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of, a foreign adversary" could present security risks under the Department's Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) rules?
6. What specific actions have you taken to insulate the Commerce Department's national security decisions from the influence of firms that have business ties to the Trump family? What additional actions do you plan to take?
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
* * *
1 Bloomberg, "How Eric Trump Became an Ally of One of China's Biggest Crypto Companies," Ryan Weeks, March 17, 2026, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-17/trump-s-son-and-a-mysterious-chinesecrypto-giant-are-in-business-together.
2 U.S. Department of Commerce, "Enforcement," https://www.bis.gov/enforcement; U.S. Department of Commerce, "Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS)," https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/oicts.
3 U.S. Department of Commerce, "Commerce Strengthens Restrictions on Advanced Computing Semiconductors to Enhance Foundry Due Diligence and Prevent Diversion to PRC," January 15, 2025, https://www.bis.gov/pressrelease/commerce-strengthens-restrictions-advanced-computing-semiconductors-enhance-foundry-due-diligenceprevent; Reuters, "Exclusive: US plans to blacklist company that ordered TSMC chip found in Huawei processor, source says," Alexandra Alper and Karen Freifeld, December 20, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/technology/usplans-blacklist-company-that-ordered-tsmc-chip-found-huawei-processor-source-2024-12-20.
4 U.S. Department of Commerce, "Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS)," https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/oicts.
5 Bloomberg, "Chinese Crypto Giant Bitmain Plans US Factory in Trump-Era Push," Ryan Weeks, July 28, 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-29/chinese-crypto-giant-plans-first-us-factory-in-trump-eragambit.
6 Bloomberg, "US Bitcoin Miners Disrupted by Chinese Supplier Under Scrutiny," David Pan, February 13, 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-13/us-bitcoin-btc-miners-disrupted-by-chinese-supplier-underscrutiny.
7 U.S. House Select Committee on the CCP, "Moolenaar: TSMC Chips to Huawei 'A Catastrophic Failure of Export Control Policy,'" October 23, 2024, https://selectcommitteeontheccp.house.gov/media/press-releases/moolenaartsmc-chips-huawei-catastrophic-failure-export-control-policy.
8 U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, "Report to Accompany S. 2342, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026," July 29, 2025, p. 19, https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CRPT119srpt51.pdf.
9 Bloomberg, "How Eric Trump Became an Ally of One of China's Biggest Crypto Companies," Ryan Weeks, March 17, 2026, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-17/trump-s-son-and-a-mysterious-chinesecrypto-giant-are-in-business-together.
10 Id.
11 Bloomberg Television, "Eric Trump Says He's Committed to Owner American Bitcoin Shares," September 17, 2025, https://youtu.be/W15GL3O1gqs?feature=shared&t=364.
12 Bloomberg, "How Eric Trump Became an Ally of One of China's Biggest Crypto Companies," Ryan Weeks, March 17, 2026, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-17/trump-s-son-and-a-mysterious-chinesecrypto-giant-are-in-business-together.
13 Id.; The Guardian, "Chinese company gives an Eric Trump crypto firm preferential access to tech," Aram Roston, October 15, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/15/eric-trump-crypto-china-bitmain.
14 Bloomberg, "Chinese Maker Behind Most of World's Bitcoin Miners Has Been Focus of US National Security Probe," Anthony Cormier, Jake Bleiberg, and David Kocieniewski, November 21, 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-21/chinese-manufacturer-bitmain-faces-us-security-review.
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Original text here: https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/warren-questions-commerce-secretary-lutnick-on-national-security-risks-posed-by-chinese-chip-company-with-reported-ties-to-the-trump-family
Warren Presses SEC Chair Atkins on Enforcement Chief's Sudden Resignation, Lack of Enforcement Data
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:* * *
Warren Presses SEC Chair Atkins on Enforcement Chief's Sudden Resignation, Lack of Enforcement Data
"This significant reduction in staff, coupled with sudden leadership changes, likely impacts the Division's ability to effectively function and protect investors and market integrity."
*
Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026: * * * Warren Presses SEC Chair Atkins on Enforcement Chief's Sudden Resignation, Lack of Enforcement Data "This significant reduction in staff, coupled with sudden leadership changes, likely impacts the Division's ability to effectively function and protect investors and market integrity." * Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsCommittee, wrote a letter to Paul Atkins, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), pressing for answers regarding the abrupt resignation of Judge Margaret Ryan, the Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement. Judge Ryan's unusually short term is particularly troubling given the reported circumstances of her abrupt departure, which reportedly followed internal disagreement about whether she was given the latitude to enforce the law against allies of President Trump. In her letter, Ranking Member Warren also emphasized the SEC's failure to release its enforcement data from last year after Chair Atkins said to the Ranking Member in a Committee hearing on February 12 that "we will release our numbers."
"Typically, 'S.E.C. enforcement chiefs serve for years.' But on March 16, 2026, approximately six months into her tenure as Director, the Commission announced Judge Ryan's resignation from the agency. The press release announcing her departure did not include a reason or name a successor. But news reports suggest that Judge Ryan may have been stymied in her efforts to enforce the law. Judge Ryan reportedly 'wanted to be more aggressive in pursuing charges for fraud and other misconduct including in cases that touched the president's circle,' yet 'faced resistance from SEC Chair Paul Atkins and other top Republican political appointees' in doing so," wrote the Senator.
"Cases that 'sparked tension' in particular allegedly 'involved cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, a major backer of the Trump family's World Liberty Financial venture' and 'Elon Musk, a big donor to Trump's campaign who briefly served as the president's special adviser,'" wrote the Senator. "Reports that Judge Ryan was not given the latitude to enforce the law against allies of President Trump fit into a broader narrative that has marked your tenure as SEC Chair: if you have the ability to pay or have connections to the President, you can act with impunity."
The Senator concluded with concerns that the change in leadership would impede the Division of Enforcement's ability to fulfill its mission and noted that the Commission had yet to release data on the prior fiscal year's enforcement activities: "I wrote to you on February 27, 2026, to request prompt release of the (2025 enforcement) data. One month on, you have yet to release the data. We are now as close to the end of fiscal year 2026 as the end of fiscal year 2025, and if delays in releasing data are allowed to compound year-to-year, the public's understanding of the Commission's enforcement work will continue to lag."
The Senator requested written responses from Chair Atkins detailing the reasons for Judge Ryan's departure - and pressed again for the release of the SEC's enforcement data from last year.
* * *
March 30, 2026
To: The Honorable Paul Atkins, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F St NE, Washington, D.C. 20549
Dear Chairman Atkins,
I write regarding reports of the abrupt resignation of the Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "Commission") Division of Enforcement (the "Division"). The departure of Judge Margaret Ryan1 - reportedly due to disagreements with Commissioners about whether to hold financial backers of President Trump accountable for potential violations of our securities laws2 - is deeply troubling and calls into question the Commission's ability to effectively protect investors and the markets. Further, the Commission's continuing failure to release its enforcement data for the Fiscal Year 2025, despite repeated requests from Congress,3 constitutes an unacceptable lack of transparency and accountability to the public.
The Commission's Division of Enforcement's mission is to "protect investors and the integrity of the financial markets by investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws and litigating enforcement actions."4 On August 21, 2025, the Commission announced that Judge Margaret Ryan would serve as the Director of the Division.5 Judge Ryan previously served as a senior judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, a position to which she was nominated by President George W. Bush.6 Regarding her appointment, you said, "I am thrilled to welcome Judge Ryan to the SEC. She brings to the Commission decades of experience as a respected judge and practitioner of the law. She is fulfilling a critical role. Judge Ryan will lead the Division guided by Congress' original intent: enforcing the securities laws, particularly as they relate to fraud and manipulation."7
Typically, "S.E.C. enforcement chiefs serve for years."8 But on March 16, 2026, approximately six months into her tenure as Director, the Commission announced Judge Ryan's resignation from the agency. The press release announcing her departure did not include a reason or name a successor. But news reports suggest that Judge Ryan may have been stymied in her efforts to enforce the law. Judge Ryan reportedly "wanted to be more aggressive in pursuing charges for fraud and other misconduct including in cases that touched the president's circle," yet "faced resistance from SEC Chair Paul Atkins and other top Republican political appointees" in doing so.9 Cases that "sparked tension" in particular allegedly "involved cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, a major backer of the Trump family's World Liberty Financial venture" and "Elon Musk, a big donor to Trump's campaign who briefly served as the president's special adviser."10 In the Commission's case against Mr. Musk, for example, a settlement was apparently negotiated with the agency without the knowledge of the Division of Enforcement's lawyers actively litigating the case, raising "questions about whether Musk or his lawyers were tapping relationships with other officials in the Trump administration in an effort to dispense with the case."11
Judge Ryan's unusually short term and the reported circumstances of her abrupt departure are deeply troubling. Reports that Judge Ryan was not given the latitude to enforce the law against allies of President Trump fit into a broader narrative that has marked your tenure as SEC Chair: if you have the ability to pay or have connections to the President, you can act with impunity. The SEC has dropped cases or investigations against parties with relationships with the President or who have made donations to his campaign, including but not limited to Gemini,12 Binance,13 and Devon Archer.14 Your failures to enforce the law allow bad actors to get away with harming investors and threaten the integrity of our markets.
We are also concerned about what this abrupt transition means for the Division's ability to fulfill even the most basic of its responsibilities. Judge Ryan's departure comes at a time when, due to prior Commission and broader Trump administration efforts, the Commission has lost between nearly 20% of its staff,15 including 13% in the Division of Enforcement in headquarters, and more across its regional offices. This significant reduction in staff, coupled with sudden leadership changes, likely impacts the Division's ability to effectively function and protect investors and market integrity. Indeed, under your leadership, the Commission has filed the lowest number of enforcement cases in a decade.16
The Commission also continues to withhold enforcement data for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025--nearly six months ago. On February 12, 2026, you appeared before the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and disputed public reports that enforcement actions have fallen dramatically over the past year -- and promised that data would be forthcoming. I wrote to you on February 27, 2026, to request prompt release of the data. One month on, you have yet to release the data.17 We are now as close to the end of fiscal year 2026 as the end of fiscal year 2025, and if delays in releasing data are allowed to compound year-to-year, the public's understanding of the Commission's enforcement work will continue to lag.
I once again ask you to release the Commission's FY25 enforcement data and respond to all inquiries included in my February 27, 2026, letter. In addition, please respond to the following questions by April 13, 2026:
1. Provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for Judge Ryan's departure.
2. Preserve and provide all documents, records, and communications, communications between Judge Ryan and the Commission or individual Commissioners regarding enforcement cases.
3. Preserve and provide all documents, records, and communications between the Commission or individual Commissioners and attorneys for Mr. Elon Musk relating to the SEC's case against him for violations of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
4. Preserve and provide all documents, records, and communications between the Commission or individual Commissioners and attorneys for Mr. Justin Sun since Judge Ryan's arrival on August 21, 2026.
5. Preserve and provide all documents, records, and communications between any employee of the SEC and any employee of the White House since August 21, 2026 regarding Judge Ryan, Mr. Sun, Mr. Musk, and SEC enforcement more generally.
6. Please explain how the Commission's workforce reduction initiatives and Judge Ryan's departure will affect the ability of the SEC to execute its enforcement responsibilities and comply with other statutorily mandated responsibilities.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
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1 SEC, "SEC Announces Enforcement Division Director Judge Margaret A. Ryan Has Resigned From Agency," press release, March 16, 2026, https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026-27-sec-announces-enforcementdivision-director-judge-margaret-ryan-has-resigned-agency.
2 Reuters, "US SEC's Ex-Enforcement Chief Clashed with Bosses Over Trump Cases Before Leaving, Sources Say," Chris Prentice and Marisa Taylor, March 23, 2026, https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/us-secs-exenforcement-chief-clashed-with-bosses-before-leaving-sources-say-2026-03-23/.
3 Letter from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren to SEC Chair Paul Atkins, February 27, 2026, https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/warren-calls-on-sec-chair-atkins-to-release-delayed-2025enforcement-data-after-refusal-to-confirm-enforcement-decline.
4 SEC, "About the Division of Enforcement," https://www.sec.gov/about/divisions-offices/division-enforcement/about-division-enforcement.
5 SEC, "SEC Names Judge Margaret Ryan as Director of the Division of Enforcement," press release, August 21, 2025, https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-108-sec-names-judge-margaret-ryan-director-divisionenforcement.
6 Id.
7 Id.
8 New York Times, "S.E.C.'s Enforcement Chief Abruptly Resigns," Ben Protess, March 16, 2026, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/us/politics/sec-enforcement-chief-resigns.html.
9 Reuters, "US SEC's Ex-Enforcement Chief Clashed with Bosses Over Trump Cases Before Leaving, Sources Say," Chris Prentice and Marisa Taylor, March 23, 2026, https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/us-secs-exenforcement-chief-clashed-with-bosses-before-leaving-sources-say-2026-03-23/.
10 Id.
11 Financial Times, "Elon Musk's Lawyers Sidestepped SEC team in Twitter Case Settlement Talks," Stefania Palma and Stephen Morris, March 17, 2026, https://www.ft.com/content/018528f9-964f-42ab-aea7-72fadd173918?syn-25a6b1a6=1.
12 Reuters, "SEC agrees to dismiss case over crypto lending by Winklevoss' Gemini," Mrinmay Dey, January 26, 2026, https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/sec-agrees-dismiss-case-over-crypto-lending-by-winklevossgemini-2026-01-24/.
13 SEC, "Binance Holdings Limited; BAM Trading Services Inc.; BAM Management US Holdings Inc.; Changpeng Zhao," press release, May 29, 2025, https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26316.
14 New York Times, "Journey From Biden Loyalist to 'Full MAGA' Ends in a Trump Pardon," Kenneth P. Vogel, March 29, 2025, "https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/29/us/politics/journey-from-biden-loyalist-to-full-maga-endsin-a-trump-pardon.html; The New York Times, "The S.E.C. Dropped a Complaint Against Its Chairman's Former Client," Kenneth P. Vogel, September 24, 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/us/politics/sec-paul-atkinsdevon-archer-trump.html
15 Reuters, "US SEC Buyouts Hit Legal, Investment Divisions Hardest, Data Shows," Douglas Gillison and Chris Prentice, May 16, 2025, https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/secs-legal-investment-markets-divisionscut-up-19-staff-after-buyout-program-2025-05-15/.
16 Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, "SEC Enforcement: 2025 Year in Review," Harris Fischman, Lorin Reisner, Jessica Carey et al., January 21, 2026, https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2026/01/21/secenforcement-2025-year-in-review/.
17 Letter from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren to SEC Chair Paul Atkins, February 27, 2026, https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/warren-calls-on-sec-chair-atkins-to-release-delayed-2025enforcement-data-after-refusal-to-confirm-enforcement-decline.
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Original text here: https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/warren-presses-sec-chair-atkins-on-enforcement-chiefs-sudden-resignation-lack-of-enforcement-data
Senator McCormick Welcomes NIH Director to Pittsburgh for Full Day Tour of Life Sciences and Research Institutions
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:* * *
Senator McCormick Welcomes NIH Director to Pittsburgh for Full Day Tour of Life Sciences and Research Institutions
Visit Highlights Pennsylvania's Role as a Leader in Life Sciences
*
PITTSBURGH, PA - U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) today hosted National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for a full-day visit to Pittsburgh, where they toured some of the nation's leading life sciences and research institutions. The visit highlighted how federal research ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026: * * * Senator McCormick Welcomes NIH Director to Pittsburgh for Full Day Tour of Life Sciences and Research Institutions Visit Highlights Pennsylvania's Role as a Leader in Life Sciences * PITTSBURGH, PA - U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) today hosted National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for a full-day visit to Pittsburgh, where they toured some of the nation's leading life sciences and research institutions. The visit highlighted how federal researchinvestment translates into jobs, medical breakthroughs, and economic growth and why Pennsylvania continues to be a productive partner in biomedical innovation.
"Pennsylvania is one of the great life sciences hubs in the world, and I was proud to welcome Director Bhattacharya to Pittsburgh to see it firsthand," said Senator McCormick. "What's happening here is extraordinary -- treatment centers where discoveries are being made, researchers dedicated to finding answers, and families whose lives have been changed. That is accountability you can see. With advances in artificial intelligence and new technologies accelerating research, Pennsylvania is well positioned to lead the next generation of medical innovation."
"I am truly honored to spend the day in Pittsburgh, a city that exemplifies what reinvention can look like at its best. Once defined by its steel industry, Pittsburgh has transformed itself into a thriving center for biotechnology and innovation which is a remarkable evolution. What stands out most is the extraordinary collaboration among the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, and Carnegie Mellon University. Together, they represent a powerful trifecta of research and innovation, seamlessly bridging cutting-edge technology with biomedical discovery in ways that set a standard for institutions across the country. Pennsylvania's emergence as a leader in this space underscores the profound impact of sustained NIH investment in research institutions beyond the coasts. The breakthroughs happening here are not only advancing science, but improving human health in meaningful and far-reaching ways, said NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.
Throughout the visit, Senator McCormick convened researchers, clinicians, philanthropists, investors, business leaders, and university executives from across the Pittsburgh region to highlight the impact of NIH-supported research and the strength of Pennsylvania's life sciences ecosystem.
At the UPMC Vision Institute, Senator McCormick and Dr. Bhattacharya observed research moving rapidly from the laboratory into clinical practice, with advances in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease offering new hope to patients at risk of losing their sight. At the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, they witnessed the direct impact of federally supported care on patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and limb loss.
They also visited the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center --one of only 57 Comprehensive Cancer Centers across the country and the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania -- they met researchers advancing new cancer treatments and prevention, bringing that work to patients in rural communities across the region. The day culminated with Senator McCormick and Director Bhattacharya leading a Life Sciences Industry Symposium, where they met with business leaders, university executives, hospital administrators, philanthropists, and investors from across the Pittsburgh region and discussed how NIH funding is driving commercialization and growth in the biotechnology sector.
Pennsylvania ranks as the fourth largest recipient of NIH funding in the nation, receiving $2.27 billion in federal research funding in FY 2025. The University of Pittsburgh and UPMC alone received $670 million, ranking ninth nationally. Statewide, NIH investment supports more than 21,000 research jobs and generates $5.31 billion in annual economic activity.
NIH-driven commercialization has also helped launch thousands of businesses and nearly 100,000 biopharmaceutical jobs across the Commonwealth. For every dollar of NIH funding, $2.56 flows back into the economy -- a strong and consistent return for American taxpayers.
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Original text here: https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-welcomes-nih-director-to-pittsburgh-for-full-day-tour-of-life-sciences-and-research-institutions/
Klobuchar, Shaheen, Colleagues Raise Concerns to USDA on Data Quality
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:* * *
Klobuchar, Shaheen, Colleagues Raise Concerns to USDA on Data Quality
Over 70% of ag producers and retailers are now less confident in USDA reports
*
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026: * * * Klobuchar, Shaheen, Colleagues Raise Concerns to USDA on Data Quality Over 70% of ag producers and retailers are now less confident in USDA reports * Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration,and Related Agencies Subcommittee are leading all 10 Democrats on the Senate Agriculture Committee in raising concerns to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the reliability of data reports from USDA. A recent Farm Journal survey found that 73% of ag producers and 78% of ag retailers are less confident in USDA reports than in past years.
"We write to express our concerns regarding the reliability of data reports from the U.S Department of Agriculture," wrote the Senators. "Farmers need reliable USDA data to make critical decisions on what to plant, how to manage risks, and when to market their agricultural products. Given the importance of reliable USDA data to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, it is critical that USDA maintain the quality and integrity of its data."
"In January 2026, USDA revised its harvested corn acreage estimate for the 2025 crop year from its initial June 2025 estimate of 86.8 million acres to 91.3 million acres. While refinements to estimates are expected as a growing season wraps up, such a large increase in these estimates resulted in grain prices dropping more than 5 percent at a time when the farm economy is already strained," the Senators continued. "Issues like this have led to an erosion of trust in USDA data in the agricultural community. A January 2026 Farm Journal survey of farmers, retailers, and economists indicates that 73 percent of farmers and 78 percent of agricultural retailers are less confident in USDA data now than they were in the past."
Along with Klobuchar and Shaheen, the letter was signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
The full letter is available here (https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d/5/d5697dd7-4a95-489e-878e-a8180c0ae737/F0F998AA64E1E3E417CB5A162BCEF9A3BDA3A566425B346D8D6EA3411C3E31A4.quill---letter-l34052---letter-to-undersecretary-hutchins-on-data-quality---version-2---03-23-2026-02-19-pm.pdf) and below.
Dear Undersecretary Hutchins,
We write to express our concerns regarding the reliability of data reports from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Farmers need reliable USDA data to make critical decisions on what to plant, how to manage risks, and when to market their agricultural products. Given the importance of reliable USDA data to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, it is critical that USDA maintain the quality and integrity of its data.
In January 2026, USDA revised its harvested corn acreage estimate for the 2025 crop year from its initial June 2025 estimate of 86.8 million acres to 91.3 million acres. While refinements to estimates are expected as a growing season wraps up, such a large increase in these estimates resulted in grain prices dropping more than 5 percent at a time when the farm economy is already strained. In addition, a delayed June 2025 quarterly trade report excluded important qualitative analysis typically included in past reports--USDA has not restored that analysis in any subsequent update.
Issues like this have led to an erosion of trust in USDA data in the agricultural community. A January 2026 Farm Journal survey of farmers, retailers, and economists indicates that 73 percent of farmers and 78 percent of agricultural retailers are less confident in USDA data now than they were in the past.
This erosion of trust in USDA data comes after a loss of over 30 percent of National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) employees and nearly 25 percent of Farm Service Agency (FSA) employees, the agencies responsible for estimating and collecting data of crop acres planted and harvested, in the first half of 2025 alone. USDA's proposed reorganization threatens to worsen the loss of key institutional knowledge and staff capacity. Further, the department has not yet indicated whether it will protect employees at statistical agencies from receiving Schedule Policy/Career designations which could suggest the political control of data products. Such potential designations would undermine the agencies' objective and nonpartisan responsibilities.
We ask that you please describe the steps you are taking within the Research, Education, and Economics mission area to ensure that farmers, ranchers, and producers can rely on the data issued by USDA, including copies of any internal reviews conducted on data reports and data quality. Additionally, please outline how your agencies are working to improve producer survey response rates and supplement responses with any additional data sources.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your response.
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Original text here: https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/dem/press/release/klobuchar-shaheen-colleagues-raise-concerns-to-usda-on-data-quality
ICYMI Senator Moody Introduces STOP Fraud in Medicaid Act Targeting Bad Actors Stealing Taxpayer Funds
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Ashley Brooke Moody, R-Florida, issued the following news release:* * *
ICYMI Senator Moody Introduces STOP Fraud in Medicaid Act Targeting Bad Actors Stealing Taxpayer Funds
Senator Ashley Moody is targeting fraudsters pocketing ill-gotten taxpayer funds with her new STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act. The bill gives new authority to state Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCU)--operated by state Attorneys General--to investigate and prosecute those fraudulently bilking the system to obtain funds through benefitting claims in addition to fraudulent providers.
"I fought fraud ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Ashley Brooke Moody, R-Florida, issued the following news release: * * * ICYMI Senator Moody Introduces STOP Fraud in Medicaid Act Targeting Bad Actors Stealing Taxpayer Funds Senator Ashley Moody is targeting fraudsters pocketing ill-gotten taxpayer funds with her new STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act. The bill gives new authority to state Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCU)--operated by state Attorneys General--to investigate and prosecute those fraudulently bilking the system to obtain funds through benefitting claims in addition to fraudulent providers. "I fought fraudas Florida's Attorney General, recovering millions of dollars for taxpayers, and I am fighting it now as U.S. Senator, finding and closing gaps that exist in our laws. At a time when our nation's debt is skyrocketing, we must increase our efforts to tackle wasteful spending. The STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act gives states the authority to catch and punish fraud fast--both by fraudulent providers and recipients alike," said Senator Ashley Moody.
BACKGROUND:
* The STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act follows the uncovering of widespread Medicaid fraud found in Minnesota, where reports claim that at least $9 billion billed across 14 Medicaid services in the state may be fraudulent.
* Currently, state MFCUs focus on prosecuting fraud by Medicaid providers, such as doctors or clinics. Senator Moody's new bill would allow MFCUs to now investigate people who fraudulently receive benefits.
* MFCUs operate in each state to investigate and prosecute providers that intentionally defraud the state's Medicaid program.
* The STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act is the latest action Senator Moody has taken to combat the theft of taxpayer funds. Senator Moody recently introduced the Punishing Health Care Fraudsters Act, which increases financial and criminal penalties for health care fraud across the board.
* The Florida MFCU under then-Attorney General Moody obtained more than $180 million in settlements and judgments.
* Senator Moody is also cosponsoring the SCAM Act, which would increase safety and protect the integrity of American citizenship by ensuring individuals who join terrorist organizations or are naturalized through fraud or deception can have their citizenship revoked.
Read more (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-senator-launches-effort-close-medicaid-loophole-allowing-fraudsters-rake-millions) about Senator Moody's new bill on Fox News.
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Original text here: https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/news-release-icymi-senator-moody-introduces-stop-fraud-in-medicaid-act-targeting-bad-actors-stealing-taxpayer-funds/
Heinrich Questions Experts on the Power Grid, Highlighting Need to Expand Transmission and Efficiently Power Data Centers to Help Lower Costs for Consumers
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:* * *
Heinrich Questions Experts on the Power Grid, Highlighting Need to Expand Transmission and Efficiently Power Data Centers to Help Lower Costs for Consumers
During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the state of the power grid, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the Committee's Ranking Member, questioned Niskanen Center Director of Climate and Energy Policy Dr. Liza Reed, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026: * * * Heinrich Questions Experts on the Power Grid, Highlighting Need to Expand Transmission and Efficiently Power Data Centers to Help Lower Costs for Consumers During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the state of the power grid, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the Committee's Ranking Member, questioned Niskanen Center Director of Climate and Energy Policy Dr. Liza Reed,Cato Institute Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Studies Travis Fisher, and Electric Power Supply Association President and CEO Todd Snitchler, on expanding transmission lines and building them efficiently, and best strategies to meet data center energy demand without offloading costs to consumers.
Ranking Member Heinrich (D-N.M.) questions experts on strategies to increase transmission and lower electricity costs for consumers during a Committee hearing to examine the state of the grid, March 25, 2026 (https://youtu.be/6z2hjpwOuPk).
On Building Enough Interregional Transmission to Meet Rising Energy Demand and Lower Costs:
Heinrich began, "Do any of you think that we're building, and obviously I think the affordability argument is well received by everyone on this Committee because all of us have constituents who are under pressure, but do any of you think that we are building enough interregional transmission to service the existing grid and the kind of growth that we would hope for both the electric sector and the economy?"
Dr. Reed replied, "Thank you for the question, Senator, I..."
Heinrich clarified, "I'll go down [the row of panelists]... Let you all answer that. Dr. Reed, you can start, and we'll go the other way."
Dr. Reed answered, "Thank you so much, Senator. We are not building the amount of interregional transmission that we need right now, and there are particular barriers that are preventing that from happening. Utilities are not incentivized or even expected to be looking to their neighbors, and so we are losing the economies of scale, and that is costing consumer purses."
Fisher agreed, "My short answer is no. My longer answer is, we should look back at the history of, you know, FERC Order 1000, for example. I think the intent was good, but the track record is very poor. The transmission line miles of the very high voltage, lines that has..."
Heinrich interjected, "Very minimum."
Fisher continued, "That stat has plummeted. We should acknowledge that fact and try to, try to do something different."
Snitchler answered, "Senator, thanks for the question. I think it's clear that being able to move electrons from where they are being generated to where they are needed, particularly in times of stress, is critically important. That's how we ensure grid reliability. And as we have seen retirements come off the system and the slow addition of new resources, the importance of that transfer capability continues to be highlighted as an area of importance."
On Developing Transmission in Ways that Provide Value for Consumers:
Heinrich followed up with Dr. Reed, "Dr. Reed, go a little deeper. You talked about how to capture value for customers, how to save them money, as opposed to just bring additional costs onto the rate base. Go a little deeper into how we can capture that value and actually benefit customers."
Dr. Reed answered, "Thank you, Senator. I'm happy to. What is causing us to lose this value for consumers is that we are not building the transmission. We have seen a number of economic analyses that find that, on average, $100 million is lost per gigawatt of transmission line that was not built per year, in the last 10 years. These transmission lines are not being built for a handful of reasons. One is that they are very complicated. This is an interstate and interregional project, and it does not enjoy a federal siting and permitting authority, as natural gas pipelines do. These electrons are moving or intended to move in interstate commerce, and instead, they are being held up by processes at the individual states requiring approval. This is duplicative red tape that discourages developers and makes it longer for them to be able to complete these projects. There are also not expectations at utilities to be looking to the regions to build these interregional lines. We have an opportunity to enable both utilities and private merchant developers who would not show up on a customer's utility bill to build more if we can fix these regulations."
Heinrich responded, "To your point, I was deeply involved in, in facilitating and working on one interregional power line, and it took 17 years to get all of the approvals to actually make that a reality. I think there are a number of places where our incentives are not aligned. You mentioned the issue of compensation for some of the values that those, those power lines provide. Walk through that a little bit, because obviously, I think, you know, there's a mismatch between transmission and generation."
Dr. Reed replied, "Yeah, I'm happy to, Senator, thank you. High voltage direct current was the topic of my PhD thesis. I don't think I can cover that in a minute, but I will note that it is a semiconductor-based technology that has the ability to act differently than our existing grid system. So, it provides an excellent backbone, because it provides different services and different values. It can move power long distances, which captures the value for consumers, but the way that, that it controls electrons also provides stability to the grid. There's complicated reasons involving voltage and frequency that we can discuss offline, but HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) ensures that we are keeping electric equipment online by keeping the voltage and frequency where it needs to be."
On Incentivizing Utility Companies and Private Developers to Deploy Grid-Enhancing Technologies:
Heinrich turned to grid-enhancing technologies, "One of the tools that has been used very effectively in other parts of the world and sporadically here in the U.S., are grid-enhancing technologies. But we have this model, particularly within state-regulated utilities, where the incentive is often... I mean, the responsible parties, my utility as an example, in central New Mexico, has really leaned into GETs. But, there is also an incentive for utilities to build big and then get [those costs] rate-based. How do we create a more aligned incentive with GETs so that we can get more out of the existing grid?"
Dr. Reed answered, "Thank you, Senator. There are a number of options that Congress and FERC can pursue to incentivize more of these grid-enhancing technologies, and part of it is expectation. What are we requiring of the grid? We should be using the lines that we built to a higher capacity. Grid-enhancing technologies, through dynamic line rating, power flow control, all of these can help us use those lines better and move the power around. And the way that we set expectations on how reliability is achieved and provide financial incentives to utilities or private developers to provide those services are ways that we can get more of this advanced technology incorporated."
On Powering Data Centers Efficiently:
Turning to data centers, Heinrich asked, "Dr. Reed, if each one of these large load data centers was its own generator, would that be the most efficient use of capital to, to power the, that part of the demand sector?"
Dr. Reed answered, "Thank you for the question, Senator. I think the most efficient use of capital to power data centers is the choice of the data centers themselves. And I think the best option that we can provide for American competitiveness and for growing industries here is to ensure that they have those options available to them, both a robust grid that can provide reliable and affordable power and options for building their own private grids to provide their own power."
Heinrich asked for clarification on how private grid models impact consumers, "And describe to me any risk associated with customer impact with the sort of private grid model."
Dr. Reed replied, "Thank you for the question. I think the way that we think about transmission benefits is important to consider here. Where, if we have a robust backbone to our grid that can provide affordable power that benefits consumers. The more consumers of electricity that there are on the grid, including high consumers such as data centers, there would be more rate payers who are helping pay for that valuable infrastructure."
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Original text here: https://www.energy.senate.gov/2026/3/heinrich-questions-experts-on-the-power-grid-highlighting-need-to-expand-transmission-and-efficiently-power-data-centers-to-help-lower-costs-for-consumers
Grassley, Cornyn, Colleagues Target Child Predators in New Legislation
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:* * *
Grassley, Cornyn, Colleagues Target Child Predators in New Legislation
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Child Predators Accountability Act to ensure abusers who include children in the production of sexually explicit content are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The bipartisan legislation would amend ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026: * * * Grassley, Cornyn, Colleagues Target Child Predators in New Legislation Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Child Predators Accountability Act to ensure abusers who include children in the production of sexually explicit content are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The bipartisan legislation would amendcurrent law to clarify that the passive engagement of a child in sexually explicit conduct violates federal law, specifically addressing the Seventh Circuit's outlier decision in United States v. Howard.
"Congress must protect children from abuse and ensure all predators are held accountable for their disgusting crimes," Grassley said. "By closing this legal loophole, the bipartisan Child Predators Accountability Act makes clear that child exploitation will never be tolerated, and anyone who uses children in any sexually exploitative context will face justice."
"Any sick human being who takes advantage of an innocent child while they're asleep or unconscious must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Cornyn said. "By closing legal loopholes being exploited by criminals, this legislation would make abundantly clear that these heinous individuals can and should be brought to justice for the crime of child pornography and prevent any offender from evading tougher penalties on a technicality."
"We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and sexual abuse, including closing loopholes in existing law that prevent the prosecution of abusers," Klobuchar said. "Our bipartisan legislation will ensure that those who abuse children are held fully accountable."
"One of our most important duties in Congress is to be a voice to the voiceless and protect the most vulnerable among us--our children," Britt said. "This bipartisan effort would help ensure no child predators slip through the cracks and that justice is deservedly served to these heinous individuals. I'm tremendously grateful for my colleagues' leadership on this, and I hope it is passed by the Senate expeditiously and signed into law."
The legislation is endorsed by Raven, National Children's Alliance (NCA), Rights4Girls, National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and Major Counties Sheriffs Association (MCSA).
Background:
In August 2017, law enforcement arrested Matthew Howard on suspicion of possession of child pornography. A subsequent search of Howard's computer uncovered a trove of child pornography, including at least two videos where Howard produced sexually explicit content depicting his sleeping nine-year-old niece. Howard pled guilty to possessing pornographic images of other minors, but contested the charges related to producing child pornography involving his niece, on the basis that she was asleep and therefore did not "engage" in any sexually explicit conduct.
The district court rejected Howard's argument, but in United States v. Howard, the Seventh Circuit court reversed the child pornography convictions, holding that a perpetrator does not violate the production of child pornography statute if the minor victim is a passive participant in the sexual offender's explicit conduct. Howard conflicts with holdings from the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Sixth, Eighth and Ninth Circuits, which have held that the federal statute is violated when a minor is the subject of an offender's photography or video, as Howard's niece was.
The Seventh Circuit's decision sets up a dangerous legal precedent and threatens prosecutions for offenders who film sexually explicit content of minors when they are sleeping, drugged or otherwise unconscious. The Child Predators Accountability Act would address this discrepancy, clarifying that the passive engagement of a child in sexually explicit conduct violates federal law.
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Original text here: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-cornyn-colleagues-target-child-predators-in-new-legislation