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Durbin Joins Joint Statement On Bill Pulte Shutting Down FHFA Watchdog
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release:
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10.01.2026
Durbin Joins Joint Statement On Bill Pulte Shutting Down FHFA Watchdog
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Congressional Democratic leaders to release the following joint statement regarding Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte's unlawful move to shut down the FHFA Inspector General through severe, unnecessary budget cuts. Along with
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release:
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10.01.2026
Durbin Joins Joint Statement On Bill Pulte Shutting Down FHFA Watchdog
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Congressional Democratic leaders to release the following joint statement regarding Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte's unlawful move to shut down the FHFA Inspector General through severe, unnecessary budget cuts. Along withDurbin, the statement is signed by: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC); Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations; Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee; Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee; and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
"Bill Pulte is shutting down the independent watchdog that is responsible for investigating his misconduct--like his efforts to weaponize private mortgage data in sham investigations against the President's perceived political enemies. Apparently it wasn't enough for President Trump to remove the acting inspector general last November--now Pulte wants to dismantle the office entirely. Pulte's corrupt crusade to protect himself and President Trump from accountability will likely result in the firing of approximately 40 law enforcement personnel who protect families from mortgage fraud. Bill Pulte should resign, and if he does not, Congress must hold him accountable."
Last night, FHFA put out a press release claiming it was "right-sizing" its Inspector General Budget. But the OIG communicated to bipartisan Senate and House committee staff that Pulte's budget cuts would require the OIG to wind down its operations and cut nearly its entire staff.
In addition to its role in providing oversight on FHFA mismanagement, the FHFA OIG fulfills a unique and critical oversight function of the integrity of the US mortgage market alongside partners at HUD and DOJ, including by stamping out real threats of mortgage fraud.
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Original text here: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/dem/releases/durbin-joins-joint-statement-on-bill-pulte-shutting-down-fhfa-watchdog
Congressman Moylan Highlights Guam Priorities at 2026 IGIA Midyear Senior Plenary Session
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (Rep.) -- Del. James Moylan, R-Guam, issued the following news release:
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Congressman Moylan Highlights Guam Priorities at 2026 IGIA Midyear Senior Plenary Session
October 2, 2026
(Hagatna, Guam)Congressman Moylan delivered remarks during the 2026 Midyear Senior Plenary Session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA), hosted by the U.S. Department of the Interior, highlighting efforts to lower the cost of living on Guam while pressing for further federal action on energy costs and other priorities impacting island families.
The September 29 virtual meeting
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (Rep.) -- Del. James Moylan, R-Guam, issued the following news release:
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Congressman Moylan Highlights Guam Priorities at 2026 IGIA Midyear Senior Plenary Session
October 2, 2026
(Hagatna, Guam)Congressman Moylan delivered remarks during the 2026 Midyear Senior Plenary Session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA), hosted by the U.S. Department of the Interior, highlighting efforts to lower the cost of living on Guam while pressing for further federal action on energy costs and other priorities impacting island families.
The September 29 virtual meetingbrought together federal officials, territorial governors, and congressional representatives from Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. Moylan joined Governor Lou Leon Guerrero in representing Guam during the territorial officials presentations.
"We should not be satisfied with simply discussing our issues. We must remain committed to improving the lives of residents of the territories and delivering on the things that matter: lowering costs, improving healthcare, growing the economy, and making the territories a place where Americans can raise their families," said Congressman Moylan.
Moylan placed particular focus on Guam's high energy costs and the need for greater federal investment in the Guam Power Authority, calling for efforts to strengthen and underground Guam's power infrastructure while providing relief to ratepayers.
"We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for the Federal Government to work together with us to address the real and immediate need to protect ratepayers and to help mitigate the price spikes that are driving up costs on our island," Moylan said.
The Congressman urged the Federal Government to assist GPA through options including joint procurement, greater access to domestic refining capacity, and expedited outstanding reimbursement requests from FEMA.
Moylan also raised several other Guam priorities, including restoring the de minimis exemption for Guam and other U.S. territories outside the U.S. Customs Zone, Supplemental Security Income parity, reauthorization of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, Jones Act and air cabotage relief, expanding the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines, childcare affordability, economic and workforce development, and stronger federal services for Guam's veterans and rural communities.
Moylan emphasized that Guam's challenges require sustained coordination between Congress, the Administration, and territorial leaders, particularly as federal policies continue to have an outsized impact on the island's economy, infrastructure, and cost of living. The Congressman concluded by emphasizing the need to turn continued federal-territorial dialogue into tangible results for the people of Guam.
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Original text here: https://moylan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-moylan-highlights-guam-priorities-at-2026-igia-midyear-senior-plenary-session
Congressman Fuller Joins EPA in Announcing $6 Million in Federal Brownfield Funding in Northwest Georgia
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- Rep. Clay Fuller, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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Congressman Fuller Joins EPA in Announcing $6 Million in Federal Brownfield Funding in Northwest Georgia
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, Congressman Fuller joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local community leaders in announcing a $6 million federal investment through brownfield funding across Northwest Georgia.
This federal investment will support the revitalization of previously polluted or blighted sites in communities across Northwest Georgia, creating new opportunities
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- Rep. Clay Fuller, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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Congressman Fuller Joins EPA in Announcing $6 Million in Federal Brownfield Funding in Northwest Georgia
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, Congressman Fuller joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local community leaders in announcing a $6 million federal investment through brownfield funding across Northwest Georgia.
This federal investment will support the revitalization of previously polluted or blighted sites in communities across Northwest Georgia, creating new opportunitiesfor economic development and growth while advancing the Trump Administration's commitment to clean air, clean land, and clean water alongside economic growth and opportunity.
"Since taking office, I've worked closely with municipalities across Georgia's 14th District to support efforts to revitalize our communities and promote economic growth. I am thrilled to join EPA and our local leaders in announcing $6 million in federal brownfields funding that will help clean up contaminated properties, prepare for redevelopment, and return them to productive use for the communities they serve. I will fight to bring federal cleanup, infrastructure funding home each and every day."-- Congressman Clay Fuller
The following Northwest Georgia communities and organizations will receive a combined $6 million in federal brownfields funding:
* City of Chickamauga -- $4 Million
Community: Chickamauga
* Northwest Georgia Regional Commission -- $1.5 Million
Communities: Cedartown, Dalton, Summerville
* Rome-Floyd County Development Authority -- $500,000
Communities: Rome and Floyd County
Congressman Fuller remains committed to bringing federal dollars back to Northwest Georgia to clean up contaminated land and water and revitalize communities.
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Original text here: https://fuller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fuller-joins-epa-in-announcing-6-million-in-federal-brownfield-funding-in-northwest-georgia
Bipartisan Lummis-Kelly MORE American Fuel Act Passes U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- Sen. Cynthia M. Lummis, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release:
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Bipartisan Lummis-Kelly MORE American Fuel Act Passes U.S. Senate
October 1, 2026
Washington D.C. -- The U.S. Senate last night passed the Modernizing Outdated Regulations to Expand American Fuel Act of 2026 (MORE American Fuel Act). The bipartisan bill was introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
The MORE American Fuel Act modernizes outdated Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing requirements for uranium enrichment facilities and aligns them with the
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- Sen. Cynthia M. Lummis, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release:
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Bipartisan Lummis-Kelly MORE American Fuel Act Passes U.S. Senate
October 1, 2026
Washington D.C. -- The U.S. Senate last night passed the Modernizing Outdated Regulations to Expand American Fuel Act of 2026 (MORE American Fuel Act). The bipartisan bill was introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
The MORE American Fuel Act modernizes outdated Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing requirements for uranium enrichment facilities and aligns them with theprocess already used for other nuclear facilities and reactors. The bill lets enrichment companies begin construction at their own risk instead of waiting years for a construction license before breaking ground, while preserving public participation and the NRC's rigorous safety standards.
"Senator Kelly and I agree on something simple: we can keep the NRC's high safety standards and still stop making enrichment companies wait years just to break ground," said Lummis. "Wyoming's uranium and Wyoming's workers are ready to help secure this nation's nuclear fuel supply now. I want to thank Senator Kelly for working with me, and I'm pleased that the Senate has agreed it's time to cut the red tape holding back American enrichment. I urge the House to act swiftly and send this legislation to President Trump's desk as soon as possible."
"Nuclear power is a reliable source of energy. Outdated regulations should not hold back production of the enriched uranium needed to power our nuclear reactors," said Kelly. "This bill will help us improve our energy security while maintaining strong safety and environmental standards, and I'm glad to see it one step closer to becoming law."
Background:
* Nuclear power provides about 18 percent of total U.S. electricity generation, yet U.S. operators import roughly 80 percent of their enriched uranium. That leaves ratepayers exposed to foreign price swings and to dependence on adversarial suppliers, including Russia.
* Senator Lummis cosponsored Senator Barrasso's Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, signed into law in 2024. The law banned Russian uranium imports beginning in August 2024, and the ban becomes absolute in 2028 when the Department of Energy's limited waiver authority expires.
* Wyoming is home to the nation's largest uranium reserves and a skilled energy workforce, positioning the state to lead a domestic nuclear fuel buildout.
* The MORE American Fuel Act passed the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee by a vote of 18-1 in September.
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Original text here: https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-lummis-kelly-more-american-fuel-act-passes-u-s-senate/
As Trump Circumvents Anti-Trafficking Office, Wyden Demands Restoration of Direct Reporting
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (TNSida) -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release:
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October 01,2026
As Trump Circumvents Anti-Trafficking Office, Wyden Demands Restoration of Direct Reporting
Ranking Member Probes HHS Policy That Puts Deportation Priorities Ahead of Child Safety By Ending Direct Reporting of Child Trafficking to Specialists
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Washington, D.C. - Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today demanded that the Trump administration immediately cancel a new Department of Health and Human Services
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (TNSida) -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release:
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October 01,2026
As Trump Circumvents Anti-Trafficking Office, Wyden Demands Restoration of Direct Reporting
Ranking Member Probes HHS Policy That Puts Deportation Priorities Ahead of Child Safety By Ending Direct Reporting of Child Trafficking to Specialists
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Washington, D.C. - Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today demanded that the Trump administration immediately cancel a new Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) policy that orders care providers to stop reporting suspected instances of human trafficking among unaccompanied minors to an office of experts dedicated to handling such cases, further centralizing the Trump administration's control over children from federal custody through post-release.
"This procedure follows a pattern of decisions this administration has made that treat the safety of children in ORR care and custody as subordinate to its enforcement priorities," Wyden wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy and Assistant Secretary Alex Adams. "Every day it remains in effect, ORR alone decides which trafficking concerns reach OTIP, the office Congress explicitly supports because it understood that ORR cannot be both the legal custodian of unaccompanied children and the sole arbiter of their protection. Every child ordered removed before OTIP identifies them as a trafficking victim is a child Congress instructed you to protect."
For years, care providers who suspected an unaccompanied migrant child was a victim of human trafficking or forced labor were required to notify the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) within 24 hours. Last month, HHS ordered those concerns be directed instead to an internal unit inside the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) that handles background checks and fraud investigations. The ORR unit - not the trafficking specialists - now controls which cases reach experts and which children could face deportation before OTIP ever sees their case.
In April, Wyden raised the alarm about dramatic reductions in trafficking related determinations, following staffing reductions and other changes by the Trump administration. Wyden has continued to spotlight how the Trump administration has undermined the care and treatment of unaccompanied children to serve its anti-immigrant deportation agenda rather than fulfill the statutorily required child welfare responsibilities Congress assigned to HHS.
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INFODOC: https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/acf_on_updated_otip_reporting_procedures.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-members-news/as-trump-circumvents-anti-trafficking-office-wyden-demands-restoration-of-direct-reporting
All Banking Committee Democrats Call on Bill Pulte to Reverse Illegal Decision to Eliminate FHFA Watchdog
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (TNSida) -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release:
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October 01, 2026
All Banking Committee Democrats Call on Bill Pulte to Reverse Illegal Decision to Eliminate FHFA Watchdog
"You must publicly answer to Congress about your attempt to gut your agency's independent watchdog."
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, alongside Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Mark Warner
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (TNSida) -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following news release:
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October 01, 2026
All Banking Committee Democrats Call on Bill Pulte to Reverse Illegal Decision to Eliminate FHFA Watchdog
"You must publicly answer to Congress about your attempt to gut your agency's independent watchdog."
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, alongside Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Mark Warner(D-Virg.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Mary.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Geor.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Mary.), wrote to Bill Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), about his unlawful attempt to gut the agency's independent watchdog responsible for investigating mortgage fraud and Pulte's own misconduct. The senators called on Pulte to reverse course and fully fund the office. Congress created FHFA's OIG, and FHFA is statutorily obligated to ensure that OIG has the resources it needs to complete its mission. The letter follows an official notice from the FHFA OIG warning that Pulte's budget cut will "eliminate (the OIG's) capacity to effectively conduct criminal investigation of mortgage, bank, and other fraud schemes involving the entities FHFA regulates."
"We write after receiving confirmation that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is unlawfully slashing the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget of its Office of Inspector General (OIG) to $20 million--a reduction of over sixty percent from the OIG's FY26 operating budget. The cut is so significant that it will immediately force the OIG to begin winding down its operations," wrote the Banking Committee Democrats.
"Despite the key role that the FHFA OIG plays in preventing waste, fraud, and abuse, you have reduced the office's budget to $20 million in FY27. That level of funding will impede FHFA OIG's ability to complete its statutorily required functions and make it impossible to conduct meaningful oversight of FHFA or the U.S. mortgage finance market," the Banking Committee Democrats continued. "The OIG has confirmed that the cut will effectively shutter its work, writing: 'We will be forced to reduce staffing by approximately 70-80% in FY 2027, which will result in the discontinuance of essentially all criminal investigations conducted by our Office of Investigations.'"
"Your decision is unacceptable and yet another example of this Administration's willingness to flout the law and evade accountability. It also indicates that FHFA is uninterested in finding and eliminating mortgage fraud - an issue that you have repeatedly claimed to prioritize at FHFA. We demand that you immediately reverse course and fully fund the FHFA OIG for FY27 with a budget no less than the OIG's original FY27 funding request." the Banking Committee Democrats concluded.
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INFODOC: https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2026.10.01%20Letter%20to%20FHFA%20re%20FHFA%20OIG%20Budget.pdf
INFODOC: https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FHFA-OIG%20Funding%20Notification%20Letter%20to%20Congress%2009.30.26.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/all-banking-committee-democrats-call-on-bill-pulte-to-reverse-illegal-decision-to-eliminate-fhfa-watchdog
