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
Bresnahan Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Designating May as National Electrical Safety Month
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:* * *
Bresnahan Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Designating May as National Electrical Safety Month
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WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced a resolution to designate May 2026 as National Electrical Safety Month. The legislation highlights the importance of educating the public on basic electrical safety principles that prevent serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage.
"Electrical safety isn't just a technical concern, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release: * * * Bresnahan Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Designating May as National Electrical Safety Month * WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced a resolution to designate May 2026 as National Electrical Safety Month. The legislation highlights the importance of educating the public on basic electrical safety principles that prevent serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. "Electrical safety isn't just a technical concern,it's a public safety priority," said Rep. Bresnahan. "This National Electrical Safety Month, we're promoting safe practices, supporting workforce training, and raising awareness about the everyday risks that can lead to fires, electrocutions, and serious injuries, from overloaded outlets and faulty wiring to unsafe jobsite conditions and downed power lines. By investing in education, preparedness, and a skilled workforce, we can help prevent accidents and save lives. I want to thank Rep. Bynum for joining me in making this a priority in Congress."
"As an electrical engineer, I've seen first-hand how important electrical safety is in our manufacturing plants, construction sites, office buildings, and at home," said Rep. Bynum. "Poor electrical safety can be more than a shock. It can be fatal. Increasing awareness around electrical safety saves lives and keeps our communities safer."
The resolution is endorsed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
"Meeting America's growing power needs -with demand projected in NEMA's analysis to rise 55% by 2050 -will require speed, scale, and safety," said NEMA President and CEO Debra Phillips. "National Electrical Safety Month is an important reminder that as electrification accelerates, the standards, guidance and technical expertise that reduce risk must keep pace with the infrastructure and systems we are building."
"We are grateful for Congressman Bresnahan's leadership in recognizing May as 'National Electric Safety Month'," said NAED President and CEO Wes Smith. "Electricity powers every aspect of our lives, yet the delivery of safe and reliable power is often taken for granted. The professionals across the electrical supply chain, from manufacturers and distributors to contractors and electricians, all play a critical role in ensuring safety. Their work helps keeps our infrastructure resilient and our economy strong. NAED is proud to work alongside our partners at NECA and NEMA, along with the Electrical Safety Foundation International, to raise awareness, build for the future, and save lives."
"Every fire prevented, every shock avoided, and every life saved is our calling and mission. That is what National Electrical Safety Month is about at its core," said ESFI Executive Director Jennifer LeFevre. "ESFI is grateful to Reps. Bynum and Bresnahan - and elected officials across the country - for helping us reach more Americans with that message, and to DC and the 17 states whose governors have made it official."
"NECA commends Congressman Bresnahan and the resolution's emphasis on equipping citizens with the knowledge to identify and address electrical hazards, as well as its recognition of the Electrical Safety Foundation International for its leadership in public education and advocacy," said NECA Chief Communications Officer Marco Giamberadino. "NECA urges Congress to adopt this resolution and encourages all Americans to observe National Electrical Safety Month by partnering with qualified electrical contractors, following electrical and fire safety codes, and taking common-sense steps in their homes and workplaces to prevent electrically related fires, injuries, and deaths."
Read the full text of the resolution here.
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Original text here: https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahan-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-designating-may-national-electrical
Boyle Statement on DOJ's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pennsylvania, ranking member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on May 18, 2026:* * *
Boyle Statement on DOJ's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund
Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement after the Department of Justice announced it is setting up a $1.8 billion slush fund for President Trump and his insurrectionist followers:
"This is sickening. While Americans are struggling with higher costs, Donald Trump is finding a way to funnel taxpayer dollars to insurrectionists ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pennsylvania, ranking member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on May 18, 2026: * * * Boyle Statement on DOJ's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement after the Department of Justice announced it is setting up a $1.8 billion slush fund for President Trump and his insurrectionist followers: "This is sickening. While Americans are struggling with higher costs, Donald Trump is finding a way to funnel taxpayer dollars to insurrectionistsand violent criminals.
This fund should not exist, and not a single cent should go to Donald Trump's family, his donors, or anyone who rioted, destroyed property, or ransacked the Capitol. If anyone deserves support, it is the Capitol Police officers who were wounded defending our democracy on January 6, 2021, and the families of officers who died in the aftermath.
As Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, I will do everything I can to stop this corrupt abuse of taxpayer dollars."
Ranking Member Boyle also signed an amicus brief (https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-democrats-litigation-task-force-fights-to-block-trump-s-self-dealing-settlement-in-sham-10-billion-irs-lawsuit) urging a federal court to block this settlement.
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Original text here: https://democrats-budget.house.gov/news/press-releases/boyle-statement-dojs-18-billion-slush-fund
Barrasso Introduces Bill to Increase Access to Broadband on Federal Land
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release:* * *
Barrasso Introduces Bill to Increase Access to Broadband on Federal Land
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced legislation to increase access to high-speed internet on federal land. The CLOSE THE GAP Act will streamline the permitting process for broadband and telecommunications infrastructure on federal land to expand access to high-speed internet in rural areas. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
"In Wyoming, half of the land is ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release: * * * Barrasso Introduces Bill to Increase Access to Broadband on Federal Land * WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced legislation to increase access to high-speed internet on federal land. The CLOSE THE GAP Act will streamline the permitting process for broadband and telecommunications infrastructure on federal land to expand access to high-speed internet in rural areas. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.). "In Wyoming, half of the land isowned by the federal government. Many areas face a significant gap in internet service. In some cases, there is no service at all," said Senator Barrasso. "It shouldn't take years for internet service providers to get approval for broadband infrastructure projects on federal land. The CLOSE THE GAP Act will streamline the federal permitting process to improve internet access for rural communities and emergency services in Wyoming and across the West."
Permitting for broadband projects and telecommunications infrastructure on federal land can take up to 48 months. These delays jeopardize broadband projects, increase costs, and limit access to high-speed internet and vital telehealth services.
WTA - Advocates for Rural Broadband released the following statement in support of the legislation:
"The small, rural broadband providers we represent often face delays of two to three years to get broadband projects approved. Not only does this lengthen the time that customers wait to get service, but it adds hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of the projects. The CLOSE THE GAP Act is a measured approach that, among other things, will reduce the wait time in instances where federal land has already been surveyed and approved for communications use. We appreciate Senator Barrasso's work on this bill and urge the Senate to pass it."
Brian Woody, President of the Wyoming Telecommunications Association, released the following statement of support for the legislation:
"The Wyoming Telecommunications Association commends Senator Barrasso for introducing the CLOSE THE GAP Act. By streamlining broadband permitting on Federal land, this legislation will help our members expand reliable, high-quality services that are essential for education, healthcare, public safety, and economic growth across the Rocky Mountain West."
Jeff England, Chief Financial Officer of Silver Star, released the following statement in support of the legislation:
"As a Wyoming resident and broadband provider, I am extremely grateful for - and proud of - the work Senator Barrasso and his staff have done in advancing important legislative solutions to address permitting challenges in the CLOSE THE GAP Act. Between short construction seasons, navigating difficult terrain, and covering vast distances, serving residents in rural Wyoming has enough challenges without the added complexities of permitting practices that are outdated, inefficient or unnecessary. Senator Barrasso's proposed legislation is an important step in removing burdensome requirements making broadband deployment more easily accomplished, more affordable to construct, and in the end, more broadly available and more affordable to the end user. I urge swift action in the Senate and look forward to the improvements the CLOSE THE GAP Act promises for all rural Americans."
Eric J. Woody, CEO of Union Wireless, released the following statement of support for the legislation:
"Union Wireless commends Senator Barrasso's efforts to help Union provide better services to its customers."
Rob Johnstone, CEO of Range, released the following statement in support of the legislation:
"I would like to thank Senator Barrasso for his leadership on federal permitting reform efforts. As a broadband and middle mile transport provider with a large geographic footprint in sparsely populated mountain states with large tracts of federal land, our biggest impediments in providing affordable broadband service are often the delays and costs associated with federal permitting. The CLOSE THE GAP Act would streamline federal permitting in a practical and reasonable manner, thereby reducing our deployment costs and increasing broadband availability and affordability. We are hopeful for quick passage of this incredibly important piece of legislation."
Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO of USTelecom, released the following statement in support of the legislation:
"Senator Barrasso's CLOSE THE GAP Act will help us build the networks Americans need. Every day that a permit to expand broadband access sits stuck in a federal queue is a day a community waits for the connectivity it was already promised. Broadband providers are particularly plagued by permitting delays when trying to access federal lands. The CLOSE THE GAP Act takes direct aim at the problem by easing the burdensome requirements on land that has been reviewed in previously approved permits.
Every American connected to high-speed internet is another win towards our shared prosperity. This bill helps us do it faster. On behalf of America's broadband providers, I urge swift action in the Senate."
Kelly Cole, CTIA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, released the following statement of support for the legislation:
"We commend Senator Barrasso for reintroducing the CLOSE THE GAP Act, a commonsense solution to modernizing broadband infrastructure deployment on federal lands. Removing these barriers to buildout is essential, not just to close the digital divide, but to ensure America's wireless networks can power the AI economy. U.S. leadership in next-generation wireless depends on deploying infrastructure faster, and this legislation helps make that possible."
Mike Romano, CEO of NTCA, released the following statement in support of the legislation:
"NTCA members have an extensive history of network deployment on federal lands and can attest to the many inefficiencies and delays that arise when dealing with federal permitting requirements. The CLOSE THE GAP ACT takes a step in the right direction to proactively streamline federal permitting requirements and prohibit costly delays. I applaud Senator Barrasso for his commitment to ensuring rural communities can get connected and stay connected."
Background :
In order to streamline the permitting process for broadband infrastructure, the CLOSE THE GAP Act requires federal land management agencies to issue new regulations that would streamline the process for broadband applications on federal land. The bill also promotes online application tracking for broadband infrastructure projects through the existing Permitting Dashboard established under the FAST Act.
The bill also accelerates broadband deployment by expanding categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and limiting additional environmental and historic preservation reviews for certain broadband projects on federal land. The exclusion criteria would apply to:
* Projects involving existing public safety communications facilities on federal land
* Projects located on previously analyzed federal land
* Federal land with existing authorized utilities, powerline facilities, or roads
The bill would establish online portals for submission of Standard Form-299 applications. It would also establish a special account at Treasury for each land management agency to deposit cost recovery fees for their own use related specifically to broadband deployment. Lastly, the bill would establish a working group between each federal land management agency to periodically meet to coordinate and expedite the review of applications.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
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Original text here: https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-introduces-bill-to-increase-access-to-broadband-on-federal-land/
At Hearing with Acting AG Blanche, Senator Murray Blasts Outrageous Creation of $1.8 Billion MAGA Slush Fund, Presses for Apology to Epstein Victims
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following news release:* * *
At Hearing with Acting AG Blanche, Senator Murray Blasts Outrageous Creation of $1.8 Billion MAGA Slush Fund, Presses for Apology to Epstein Victims
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Murray on Trump's new $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded MAGA slush fund : "What we are talking about is nothing short of the sitting President of the United States looting from the Treasury for his own gain."
When pressed by Murray, Blanche refuses to directly apologize to Epstein victims for DOJ's failure to protect their privacy
WATCH : Senator Murray's ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following news release: * * * At Hearing with Acting AG Blanche, Senator Murray Blasts Outrageous Creation of $1.8 Billion MAGA Slush Fund, Presses for Apology to Epstein Victims * Murray on Trump's new $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded MAGA slush fund : "What we are talking about is nothing short of the sitting President of the United States looting from the Treasury for his own gain." When pressed by Murray, Blanche refuses to directly apologize to Epstein victims for DOJ's failure to protect their privacy WATCH : Senator Murray'sfull questioning
Washington, D.C. - Today-at a Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the Department of Justice (DOJ)-U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, grilled Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on how, under President Trump and Blanche, DOJ has become a tool for Trump to pursue vengeance, enrich himself, and reward his loyal allies who have committed crimes with both pardons and pay outs.
[TRUMP'S $1.8 BILLION MAGA SLUSH FUND]
Senator Murray began by pressing Acting Attorney General Blanche on DOJ announcing on Monday the establishment of a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded slush fund to dole out payments to President Trump's allies, likely including January 6 th insurrectionists.
MURRAY: Acting Attorney General, right now families are paying four, five-even six or seven dollars for gas. Inflation is at its highest level in years because of the president's policies, but instead of helping Americans get by, President Trump is literally using their tax dollars to set up a slush fund to enrich his own friends.
On Monday, your department settled the president's lawsuit by setting up a fund with $1.8 billion, and you and the president will pick the handful of people who decide how that money gets doled out. So let's be clear: what we are talking about is nothing short of the sitting President of the United States looting from the Treasury for his own gain.
Do you seriously think this arrangement is appropriate? The president telling the federal government to settle a case and let him pay billions to the people that he chooses?
BLANCHE: What you just described wouldn't be appropriate, and that's absolutely not what happened, and that's not what's happening now. So, you just set up a series of facts most of which that were not true to say as if-
MURRAY : No. They were true.
BLANCHE: No, it's not. I mean I-
MURRAY: The president has set up a slush fund-however you want to say it got set up-and he will literally get to choose through his handpicked appointees who gets paid that fund. That is absurd.
BLANCHE: So, the president did not set up this fund, it's not a slush fund. It's been done many times; we have lots of funds-
MURRAY: I heard your response earlier to Senator Van Hollen; this is not comparable to the case that you cited-a judge was not involved. This is the president versus himself, setting up a fund and-
BLANCHE: A judge was not involved in the distribution of the Keepseagle case at all. It just wasn't. There was a single commissioner that was set up-not five-and so when I-
MURRAY: The judge signed off on that case.
BLANCHE: Yes, it was a much later point in the litigation.
MURRAY: That's my point-that is all of our point. And I just have to tell you: this is corruption that has never been more blatant or more widespread. But what is happening is that you write the check, Trump and his cronies cash it. American taxpayers-who are already being whacked with high prices-are going to foot the bill. That is what we are seeing today and that is what many of us are really, really angry about.
[EPSTEIN FILES]
Senator Murray shared her anger over how DOJ handled the release of the Epstein files and pressed Acting Attorney General Blanche on whether he will apologize to the survivors and commit to meeting with them.
MURRAY: So let me move to another topic. This Department of Justice is sending the message that if you're wealthy, if you're powerful, if you are well-connected, you won't be held accountable, even if you abuse children.
You know it was after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act and DOJ finally began to release the files-your department exposed survivors' names, their sensitive, personal information, and even nude photos while redacting names of alleged perpetrators of those crimes. The message that sends is this Department of Justice worked harder to protect the privacy of potential child abusers than the survivors.
Your predecessor refused to apologize to those victims, but I want to give you the same opportunity to apologize for the way the Department handled the release of these documents. Will you apologize to the survivors?
BLANCHE: When the president passed the Epstein Transparency Act, that was the only time-
MURRAY: Pardon me?
BLANCHE: When the president signed the Transparency Act, that was when we were legally allowed to release the files. Prior to the passage of the act, which you all passed, I agree-
MURRAY: That is so not the question I'm asking. I'm asking-
BLANCHE: It was the question you asked, you asked five or six questions, I'm answering them in order-
MURRAY: The question I want you to answer is: will you apologize to the victims whose names, sensitive, personal information and even nude photos were not redacted by your department? Will you apologize to them?
BLANCHE: Of course, that was-we never want to release a single victim's name-
MURRAY: That is what we are wanting to hear-
BLANCHE: Can I answer the question please, is it fair?
MURRAY: I'm asking if you'll apologize.
BLANCHE: And I just said yes, and I would like an explanation to be given to that. What this act did is it required us to review over six million pieces of paper in a very short period of time. So, 0.001%, we made mistakes and we owned up to them, and the second a victim or their lawyer told us we made a mistake, we pulled that document down and we put lawyers 24/7 in being responsive to victims and their lawyers to make sure that we fixed every single problem. So yes-
MURRAY: I hear your anger-
BLANCHE: I'm not angry, no, I'm not angry-
MURRAY: I hear your anger and I will tell you who is really angry is the people who had their nude photos released-
BLANCHE: I'm just making sure it's understood that we matter.
MURRAY: I just want to hear you say I apologize to those victims.
BLANCHE: So, as I just said, of course any time that we release a victim's name that shouldn't be released-we have failed as a Department of Justice-and so we have to do everything we can to not fail-
MURRAY: Well, I still haven't heard the words "I apologize to those victims."
BLANCHE: Well, I'm trying to give you an explanation of what happened, but I don't think you're really interested in that because you keep on cutting me off.
MURRAY: Well, I am, but I have a few more questions here and I want to know-and I know that Senator Van Hollen raised this-but I want to ask will you personally commit to meeting with the survivors? I have heard from them personally that DOJ refused to meet them and I'm asking about you, I'm asking about the Justice Department reaching out to them to be heard. Not waiting for them to navigate a legal system that has obviously repeatedly failed them so far.
BLANCHE: Can I answer?
MURRAY: Yeah, will you reach out to them?
BLANCHE: So, as we have said repeatedly, of course any lawyer-now if the victim has a lawyer, I am not allowed to reach out to the victim directly, you know that-but any lawyer can reach out to the Department of Justice. They have and I've met with many victims and their lawyers, as has the FBI, as has the SDNY. We will always, always, meet with victim's counsel and if any victim or their lawyer can come forward to the FBI at any time-
MURRAY: You will always meet with victim's counsel. Well these women-and I've met with them and I know Senator Van Hollen has and so many others-they are personally so feeling abused, again and again and again by what happened to them originally and now what's happening by them. I am saying to you as a human being, don't make them navigate a system that's impossible to navigate, that has already abused them. Reach out and ask to meet with them, that's all I'm asking.
BLANCHE: Wait you're asking me to call-you want me to personally call the victims-is that what you are asking me to do?
MURRAY: I can help you reach them.
BLANCHE: Oh, that would be great. Yes, because we have said from day one that-
MURRAY: And you would meet with them if I reached out to them.
BLANCHE: Of course, there have been members who have done that and we immediately reach out to the victims or their lawyers when they lawyers say they want to do it.
MURRAY: Well, I'll follow up on that, thank you very much.
***
Original text here: https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-with-acting-ag-blanche-senator-murray-blasts-outrageous-creation-of-1-8-billion-maga-slush-fund-presses-for-apology-to-epstein-victims/
Army's Multi-Domain Task Force Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, May 19 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. IF11797) by military ground forces specialist Andrew Feickert and Army fellow Ebrima M'Bai:Here are excerpts:
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The Army's Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)
The Significance of the Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)
Congress has expressed concern about the threat to U.S. national security posed by Russia and China. The Army believes to address this threat, it must be able to operate in a multi-domain (air, land, water, space, cyber, information) environment, requiring new operational ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 19 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. IF11797) by military ground forces specialist Andrew Feickert and Army fellow Ebrima M'Bai: Here are excerpts: * * * The Army's Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) The Significance of the Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) Congress has expressed concern about the threat to U.S. national security posed by Russia and China. The Army believes to address this threat, it must be able to operate in a multi-domain (air, land, water, space, cyber, information) environment, requiring new operationalconcepts, technologies, weapons, and units. The Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) is the Army's self-described organization centerpiece of this effort.
What Is a Multi-Domain Task Force?
The Army's Chief of Staff Paper #1: Army Multi-Domain Transformation Ready to Win in Competition and Conflict dated March 16, 2021, describes the MDTF as "theater-level maneuver elements designed to synchronize precision effects and precision fires in all domains against adversary anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) networks in all domains, enabling joint forces to execute their operational plan (OPLAN)-directed roles."
MDTF Organization
Figure 1 depicts a generic MDTF.
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Figure 1. Generic MDTF
Source: Army Information Paper provided to CRS, April 10, 2025.
Notes: MDEB = Multi-Domain Effects Battalion; HHC = Headquarters and Headquarters Company; MI = Military Intelligence; ERSE = Extended Range Sensing Element; ID = Information Dominance; LRFB = Long-Range Fires Battalion; HHB = Headquarters and Headquarters Battery; LRHW = Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon; MRC =Mid-Range Capability (also referred to as Strategic Mid-Range Fires [SMRF]); HIMARS = High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems; FSC = Forward Sustainment Company; IFPC = Integrated Fire Protection Capability; BSB = Brigade Support Battalion.
* * *
The Army has stated that each MDTF is to be tailored to Combatant Commander requirements, so it is possible the generic MDTF in Figure 1 may contain more, fewer, or other types of units depending on the requirements of its assigned theater of operations.
Army Initial Plans for MDTF Development
The Army originally planned to build five MDTFs: two aligned to the Indo-Pacific region; one aligned to Europe; one stationed in the Arctic region and oriented on multiple threats; and a fifth MDTF aligned for global response.
1st MDTF
The 1st MDTF is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, and aligned to the U.S. Army Pacific. Since its 2017 activation, it has participated in a variety of exercises.
2nd MDTF
On April 13, 2021, the Army announced it would station its 2nd MDTF in Germany. The Germany-based MDTF is to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa. On September 16, 2021, the Army activated the 2nd MDTF at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden.
Split Stationing of the 2nd MDTF at Fort Drum, NY
On December 13, 2023, Senator Charles Schumer and Representative Elise Stefanik announced in 2025 Fort Drum, NY, would become the home of 1,495 soldiers and personnel from the 2nd MDTF's Long-Range Fires Battalion (LRFB), Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), and Air Defense Battalion. The 2nd MDTF's Headquarters and Effects Battalions, activated in 2021, would remain in Germany.
3rd MDTF
The Army activated the 3rd MDTF at Schofield Barracks, HI, in September 2022. The 3rd MDTF is to support the U.S. Army Pacific as a component of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
2024 Army Force Structure Transformation Initiative and MDTFs
On February 27, 2024, the Army released a white paper, Army Force Structure Transformation, outlining plans to transform the force. The white paper noted the Army intended to "complete the build out of the Army's five MDTFSs" and that
Three task forces will be assigned to U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC); one will be assigned to U.S. Army Europe-Africa (USAREUR-AF); and another will be service-retained with a likely focus on the CENTCOM area of responsibility [AOR]. One MDTF headquarters is already in Germany and another is stationed in Hawaii.
April 2024 Update on MDTF Alignment and Stationing
According to an April 2024 Defense News article, the Army has updated MDTF pre-decisional plans. The Army reportedly plans to consolidate Mid-Range Capability and Long-Range Hypersonic batteries under an LRFB and complete programming of the remaining Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) battalions over the next five years. The Army also plans to convert all brigade support companies to battalions. In terms of specific MDTFs
* The 1st MDTF is to be fully established in FY2024 with a Multi-Domain Effects Battalion (MDEB), an IFPC battalion, a BSB, and an LRFB.
* The 2nd MDTF is to be headquartered in Germany with an MDEB and other elements stationed at Fort Drum, NY, with an IFPC battalion, a BSB, and an LRFB. The 2nd MDTF is to be fully operational in FY2025 with the addition of the LRFB in FY2026. The 2nd MDTF is to focus on supporting the European theater.
* The 3rd MDTF, headquartered in Hawaii with an MDEB, is to consist of an IFPC battalion, a BSB, and an LRFB stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, and is to be fully operational by FY2026.
* The 4th MDTF is planned to be stationed at Fort Carson, CO, but is to focus on the Indo-Pacific theater and is to be fully operational by FY2027.
* The 5th MDTF is planned to be stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, and is to concentrate on regions as determined. The 5th MDTF is to be fully operational by FY2028.
Potential Change to 2nd MDTF LRFB Deployment Plans
Reportedly, based on a May 1, 2026, Administration decision to remove 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany:
'one full brigade will leave Germany and a long-range fires battalion that was due to be deployed later this year will be cancelled. The long-range fires had been due to form a significant extra element of deterrence against Russia while Europeans developed such long-range missiles themselves.'
While specific units have not yet been identified, the 2nd MDTF's LRFB had previously been designated by the Army as European-aligned.
1st MDTF to Merge with the 7th Infantry Division
Reportedly, the 1st MDTF is to merge with the 7th Infantry Division (ID) to form Multi-Domain Command-Pacific (MDC-PAC), a two-star command. Reportedly, the Army is
'still working through organizational details, [Army Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane] did note that the command would merge the 7th ID's two Stryker brigades and a combat aviation brigade with a multidomain task force ... to share fires, space, electronic warfare, cyber and intelligence capabilities with other commands and services throughout the Indo-Pacific.'
The unit transition is planned to begin in mid-June 2026, and no date for final completion was provided.
MDTF Concerns
In a March 2026 article "How to Kill a Multidomain Task Force," published by the Modern War Institute at West Point, concerns were raised regarding what the authors perceived as MDTF "vulnerabilities," including
* "The most effective way to neutralize the MDTFs is not to target its sensors, shooters, or networks, but to overwhelm it with process. The central challenge to an MDTF ahead of a conflict--and the one that would prove especially dangerous during one--is the institutional tendency to pile on structure and staff, stifling the very agility that makes it effective."
* "Perhaps the most insidious way to defeat an MDTF is to sever its connection to the global conversation. This is achieved through information calcification: a hardening of the bureaucratic arteries that slows the release of information to a crawl, rendering it irrelevant upon arrival and allowing our adversaries to define our actions before we can ... Equally damaging, however, is suppressing the MDTF's voice internally within the Army, which stifles the service's own evolution."
The authors seemingly suggest that bureaucracy, the tendency to add additional structure and staff to new units, and conformity to established Army practices might be more of a threat to the MDTF than enemy actions. The authors argue that such actions by the Army could restrict the MDTF's agility and utility and thereby make it less effective.
Possible Oversight Issues for Congress
Possible oversight issues for Congress include the following:
* Did MDTFs or subordinate elements play an operational role in Operation Epic Fury? If so, what are some of the emerging lessons and how might they influence future MDTF development and alignment?
* If the 2nd MDTF's LRFB is not to be forward-stationed in Germany as originally planned, how might this impact the 2nd MDTF's concept of operation in support of U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and NATO?
* Given concerns raised about MDTF vulnerabilities to Army cultural tendencies and bureaucracy, what actions are being undertaken by Army leadership to ensure that MDTFs are being "set up for success" and not being overly regulated and staffed in order to maximize their innovativeness, agility, and effectiveness?
* * *
The white paper is posted at: https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IF/PDF/IF11797/IF11797.30.pdf
[Category: CRSCRS]
Acting Librarian of Congress Newlen Testifies Before Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch released the following testimony by Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen from a May 12, 2026, hearing on the fiscal 2027 budget request:* * *
Chair Fischer, Ranking Member Heinrich, and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of the Library of Congress' Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. I am deeply grateful for the consistent support Congress has shown the Library throughout the last year and I am also profoundly grateful for the talented, resilient staff ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch released the following testimony by Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen from a May 12, 2026, hearing on the fiscal 2027 budget request: * * * Chair Fischer, Ranking Member Heinrich, and Members of the Subcommittee: Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of the Library of Congress' Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. I am deeply grateful for the consistent support Congress has shown the Library throughout the last year and I am also profoundly grateful for the talented, resilient staffof the Library of Congress. After nearly five decades with this institution, I can say without hesitation that this is the strongest management team I have worked with.
As a legislative branch agency, the Library of Congress exists first and foremost to serve the United States Congress in the performance of its constitutional responsibilities. Thomas Jefferson once stated, "There is in fact no subject to which a member of Congress may not have occasion to refer." As a guiding principle, our vast work centers on this premise as we preserve the nation's intellectual and cultural heritage for the Congress and the American people.
From the outset of my tenure, my goal has been simple: to maintain exceptional service to the Congress. I have never approached this role as though it were only temporary stewardship.
Instead, I have focused on preparing the Library for the future and ensuring we provide the best possible service to Congress and to the American public we serve.
The Library's Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request totals $931.429 million, which is a net increase of $34.422 million (+3.8%) over the FY 2026 funding level, which has remained level since FY 2024.
The total request includes:
$16.611 million to cover mandatory pay;
$7.290 million for price level increases, and;
$11.121 million and 7 FTE for program increases
The total request also includes a non-recur of $600 thousand and $48.069 million in offsetting collection authority for the Copyright Office.
While modernization and automation investments have allowed the Library to expand productivity and accomplish more with fewer resources, it is worth noting that the Library's staffing level has remained largely unchanged since FY 2015. Full-Time Equivalent levels at the Library have steadily declined from over 5,000 in the early 1990s to its current level of approximately 3,100.
As they remain the greatest resource of the Library, it is critical that this relatively low staff level be adequately supported.
Continuing resolutions and level funding have required the Library to absorb increased costs for pay and inflation in recent fiscal years, threatening our ability to execute the Library's full range of programs and services as expected by the Congress.
This budget request is designed to maintain the Library's core operations, cover unavoidable cost increases, and make targeted investments that strengthen service, efficiency, and public value.
Over the past fiscal year, the Library has delivered meaningful accomplishments that advance our mission and directly benefit Congress and the public.
First, this year marks a quarter-century since Congress founded the Veterans History Project through unanimous consent. In the 25 years since, over 122,000 collections of US military veterans' original personal narratives, such as video or audio interviews, photographs, correspondence and diaries, have been preserved at the Library of Congress. Thousands of those have been gathered through direct Congressional encouragement and engagement. This milestone underscores an ongoing shared commitment to preserving firsthand accounts of service members, from WWI through recent conflicts. These collections honor veterans, serve educators and researchers nationwide, and provide Congress and constituents with a powerful record of service and sacrifice.
Second, Congress made it possible to modernize key systems in support of Congress and the American people. In fiscal 2025 the Library had success in many areas across the Library, including the launch of the Library Collections Access Platform (LCAP), allowing the Library to acquire, describe, and provide access to our vast collections; the release of the CRS website which provided a wide range of enhancements for congressional users; Copyright Public Records System, the new online public catalog replacement; and the launch of BARD 2.0, the National Library Service for the Blind & Print Disabled's Braille and Audio Reading Download service which provides NLS users across the US with instant access to hundreds of thousands of audio and braille books and magazines. These services provide us modern platforms on which we can build continued improvements to the important, effective and efficient services the Library makes available to Congress and the American people.
Beyond these specific accomplishments, the Library's work touched constituents in every state and territory. The Congressional Research Service continued to provide trusted, nonpartisan analysis directly to Members and committees. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled ensured equitable access to reading materials for Americans with disabilities. Our digital platforms, particularly loc.gov, connected millions of users to authoritative information, historical documents, and educational resources. Together, these services demonstrated that every part of the Library is here to serve the Congress and the American people.
In close partnership with the Congress, the Library is also focused on improving how the public experiences and engages with the institution.
In the Thomas Jefferson Building, we continue to work closely with the Architect of the Capitol and are progressing with the Visitor Experience projects, including the upcoming opening of The Source (Youth Center) in May. The Source will be an active and participatory 4,000 square-foot space welcoming visitors--particularly kids ages 8-15 with their adults and school groups--to connect to digitized and replica materials from the Library's rich primary source collections. The Orientation Gallery construction and exhibit fabrication is on-going with an anticipated opening in 2027.
As the nation approaches America's 250th anniversary, the Library, which celebrates America every day through its collections documenting the nation's history, creativity, and democratic ideals, is committed to playing a central role in this historic commemoration. The Library is actively planning programs and new exhibitions and is collaborating with the Congressionally chartered Semiquincentennial Commission on several of its initiatives. The Library is working on the Commission's Our American Story initiative to ensure long-term archiving of oral histories, and offering technical guidance for contents of America's Time Capsule to be installed in Philadelphia in July, which will then be made available to serve as a resource for other local, state and federal time capsules being planned for the 250th anniversary. Also, as we did in 2024 and 2025, the Library will host a group of students from across the United States in July as part of America's Field Trip, offering an in-depth, behind-the-scenes tour of the Library.
This year especially, the Library invites all Americans to further appreciate the nation's history by doing their own research and exploring the Library's collections and expertise through exhibitions and dynamic programming. The Declaration's Promise exhibit is planned to open on July 3, 2026, while the Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution will remain open to the public through Independence Day. Then the Library's exhibit Alive in Many Hands: 50 Years of the American Folklife Center, will open in September. Additionally, the Library continues to offer collections-inspired programming, such as monthly family days, afternoons with the Library and Live! At the Library, as well as Publica and Scholarly Symposia, and concerts, many of which will be organized to commemorate America's 250th anniversary.
The Library has significantly expanded its public outreach and programming, both in person and virtually. Initiatives such as the National Book Festival, performances and exhibitions made possible through extraordinary gifts - such as the recent gift of a Stradivari instrument - and the work of both the Poet Laureate and National Ambassador for Young People's Literature have enabled us to reach new audiences and engage the public in ways we could not before.
We are entering an exciting and consequential era for the Library.
We are continuing to responsibly harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve internal processes, enhance services, and achieve cost efficiencies within existing resources.
Across the Library we are experimenting with many use cases, with CRS Bill Summaries remaining our top priority. We have already demonstrated success by piloting AI-supported tools to improve metadata creation and discovery, reducing manual workload while improving accuracy.
Importantly, this work is being done in close coordination with our legislative branch partners, ensuring transparency, security, and alignment with congressional needs within the constraints of working within existing public AI Large Language Models. To build on this momentum as well as allow the Library to effectively produce trustworthy and authoritative content, the Library needs a meaningful and sustained investment in AI capabilities.
In our FY 2027 budget request, the Library proposes establishing a centralized AI Enterprise Platform to responsibly develop and manage artificial intelligence models and services in a controlled environment, leveraging the ability to use customized training data to improve accuracy, incorporate confidential data as appropriate, and ensure data privacy. Building on prior research and pilot efforts, the platform will initially support two AI service models: one focused on legislative data for the Congressional Research Service and another supporting bibliographic data and collections workflows for the Library Collections and Services Group.
The AI Enterprise Platform will deliver efficient and effective AI technology for the Library, including CRS. The timing of the funding matters--if these resources are not included in the fiscal 2027 bill, we will forgo tangible, concrete opportunities. For example, CRS and the Library's LC Labs Group led an experiment to evaluate the capabilities of six different Large Language Models to assist with the production of bill summaries. Less than three percent of 3,000 AI-generated bill summaries were deemed acceptable. CRS then focused on identifying the merits of a more incremental approach, in which AI and automation would be integrated across the bill summary workflow. A detailed implementation plan was developed in the first half of fiscal 2026, including cost estimates and estimates of potential efficiency gains. The proposed AI platform, for which we are seeking funding, is essential to implementation. Given the rapid advances in AI models and tools, if CRS cannot initiate this plan in FY 2027, it will very likely become obsolete, necessitating additional investment to simply maintain the plan's applicability.
To improve reliability and performance of its major public websites, the Library is re-requesting funding in FY 2027 for Web Application Delivery and Management Improvements. Migrating the Library's websites to commercial cloud infrastructure will enable elastic scaling of computing resources, improved speed, and greater resilience during peak demand. These changes address long-standing limitations of physical data centers and better support users, data partners, and API5 based services, while enterprise licensing of development and security tools will increase efficiency and support future enhancements.
The budget request also includes increases to the Copyright Office's Offsetting Collections authority to align spending authority with projected receipts, as well as funding to modernize the Office of the Inspector General's operations. OIG modernization will emphasize cloud migration and closed-loop AI tools to improve efficiency, reduce system maintenance burdens, and allow staff to focus on higher-value oversight and analytical work.
Finally, the Library seeks to realign the Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation (CONAN) program from the Congressional Research Service to the Law Library of Congress, reflecting its expanded public-facing role. Together, these initiatives advance the Library's strategic vision, A Library for All, ensuring it remains responsive, resilient, and capable of serving Congress and the public in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Another critical need is continued progress on Fort Meade storage. Preserving the nation's collections requires secure, environmentally appropriate storage, and investment in this infrastructure is essential to protect materials that cannot be replaced. Funding for the construction of the mandatory Fort Meade Utility Plant and Module 8 is critically needed within the next 2-3 fiscal years. Without such funding, the Library will be forced to resume shelving Library collections on the floors of the Jefferson and Adams buildings, creating safety hazards and endangering collection materials.
All of us at the Library are committed to serving Congress and the American people. Whether through direct legislative support at CRS, preservation of veterans' stories, accessible reading services, creating and sharing our digital collections, or public programs, every employee plays a role in fulfilling that mission.
Finally, I want to reiterate my gratitude for Congress's continued support. We take seriously the responsibility entrusted to us. When making financial decisions, we always remember that these are hard-earned taxpayer dollars, and we remain committed to delivering exceptional service and the best possible value in return.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify, and I look forward to your questions.
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Original text here: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/newlen_testimony_fy272.pdf
Acting Deputy Undersecretary of War for Acquisition & Sustainment Marks Testifies Before Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies released the following testimony by Dale R. Marks, performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of War for acquisition and sustainment, from a May 14, 2026, hearing on the fiscal 2027 budget request:* * *
Chairman Boozman, Ranking Member Ossoff, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee: thank you for this opportunity to discuss the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request for the Department of War's (DoW) military construction and housing portfolios.
The ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies released the following testimony by Dale R. Marks, performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of War for acquisition and sustainment, from a May 14, 2026, hearing on the fiscal 2027 budget request: * * * Chairman Boozman, Ranking Member Ossoff, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee: thank you for this opportunity to discuss the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request for the Department of War's (DoW) military construction and housing portfolios. The2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) lays out a clear objective for the Department: be the sword and shield to deter war, with the goal of peace--but be ready to fight and win the nation's wars if called upon. To achieve these objectives, we must ensure we are postured to maximize our Warriors' lethality while defending the homeland against a wide range of threats. We must be clear-eyed about these threats and prioritize the ones that pose the gravest risk to Americans' security, freedom, and prosperity.
Our installations are more than just enablers of this critical priority. They are weapons systems that operationalize energy and resources through responsible stewardship and strategic partnerships, delivering quality support to our Warriors and their families and increasing their mission readiness. Our installations are the foundations of our national security posture, and I look forward to working with this committee in the coming months to ensure they are postured to support the 2026 NDS; maintain our status as the world's strongest, most lethal, and most capable military; and ensure peace through strength.
DEFENDING THE HOMELAND AND SUPPORTING LETHALITY
The 2026 NDS recognizes our foremost priority is to defend the U.S. Homeland against the growing capability of our adversaries, ranging from nuclear threats to a variety of advanced conventional strike, space, cyber, and electromagnetic warfare capabilities. That would be challenging enough, but as we have seen in multiple operations around the globe, our adversaries are using a wide range of asymmetric means, from small unmanned systems to one-way-attack drones, to extensive electromagnetic surveillance with increasing frequency. The homeland truly is no longer a sanctuary. Countering these threats requires our installations to be ready to defend against them while also being resilient enough to sustain critical missions under contested conditions.
The strength and lethality of our military is built both on the weapon systems that defend us, and on the readiness of our Service members, and their families, to accomplish this mission. So often we characterize this as a quality-of-life issue. But it is much more than that. Quality of life is not a benefit--it is a core component of combat readiness. Similarly, our readiness extends to our installations. Our installations are weapon systems themselves, just like our ships, tanks, and planes. We must ensure that they are postured--in terms of quality, condition, and laydown--to carry out the entire spectrum of military operations.
To meet these challenges, the Department is requesting $26.8 billion for military construction (MILCON)--$4.1 billion over FY 2026 enacted levels. Our military construction request will provide the infrastructure for major weapons systems that unleash American lethality, including critical support for the Golden Dome and Guam Defense systems; advanced weapons systems such as the F-47, attack and ballistic missile submarines; and nuclear deterrence platforms such as Sentinel and B-21, while also honoring our commitment to our warfighters by completing critical quality-of-life projects like barracks and medical treatment facilities.
These projects are accompanied by a generational $57.2 billion request in Facilities, Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) to address our aging infrastructure after years of underinvestment by executing the maintenance and repair activities necessary to keep facilities operational; repair damage caused by age, inadequate maintenance and disasters, fires, or accidents; and alter or replace facilities to meet new standards or accommodate new functions.
Our FSRM request more than doubles our FY 2026 investments (an increase of $31.1 billion) and represents 2.7% of Plant Replacement Value (PRV), which exceeds the 1.75% FY 2027 minimum capital investment imposed by the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Department looks forward to working with Congress to protect our infrastructure investments for the future without compromising readiness today.
To address aging infrastructure and evolving operational demands, the Department is requesting $734 million for eleven Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) projects. These critical investments focus on bolstering energy dominance and water security by deploying cutting-edge technologies--such as advanced energy storage systems, next-generation geothermal and nuclear capabilities, and sophisticated microgrid networks-- while ensuring mission-essential command and control capabilities remain protected from disruption, including from adversary attacks and extreme weather.
Through these efforts, the Department is strengthening the resilience and operational readiness of military installations to defend the U.S. Homeland and its bases abroad against rapidly evolving threats, while adapting to the demands of modern warfare. By integrating advanced energy technologies and securing critical resources, the Department is advancing strategic priorities in national security and energy resilience leading to increased operational effectiveness. These initiatives also support broader national objectives--including grid optimization, safe and secure water supplies, and American energy dominance--ensuring the United States remains prepared to confront emerging challenges and sustain its strategic advantage in a complex global environment.
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY
To support the NDS, the Department must ensure its resources are singularly focused on the Department's core mission of defending the Nation, and we continue to meet the Secretary's call to focus on eliminating waste and duplication.
MILCON and FSRM Review
Given the size and scope of the Department's infrastructure footprint, the MILCON and FSRM investment portfolios represent a significant opportunity to maximize the effectiveness of taxpayer dollars while improving the readiness and lethality of our warfighters.
Under current processes, a MILCON project can take five years to be incorporated in a budget request to Congress and once funded, can take potentially another four years to obtain beneficial use. The Department appreciates the new authorities provided by the FY 2026 NDAA, including accelerated design-build, progressive design-build, and greater flexibility in selecting construction agents, which will improve our ability to deliver critical capabilities to our Warriors. At the same time, we also recognize that we must develop more timely and flexible processes and organizational structures to enable more agile delivery of infrastructure needs.
Last year, the Deputy Secretary of War charged my office to conduct comprehensive reviews of the Department's MILCON and FSRM portfolios. After significant coordination the Military Departments, Office of General Counsel, and industry experts, I recently signed guidance to the Military Departments and Defense-Wide Agencies directing them to maximize implementation of the new authorities granted by the FY 2026 NDAA and to implement several strategies to further accelerate project delivery and reduce costs, including maximizing design reuse; streamlining regulatory and environmental compliance; assessing and eliminating unnecessary military-unique compliance checklists; focusing on broader infrastructure portfolios rather than individual project silos; leveraging private-sector architectural-engineering and construction management firms; adopting advanced and agile construction technologies; and bundling procurement actions across multiple, similar projects.
Additionally, the comprehensive reform of our Unified Facilities Criteria in particular is yielding exceptional results, as our 25 Tri-Service discipline working groups are streamlining documents to a fraction of their original size. This has been achieved by strategically separating mandatory requirements from supplemental commentary, reducing or eliminating discretionary requirements, consolidating approximately 120 separate documents into a single comprehensive digital code, and further aligning our criteria with proven industry codes and standards. This foundational streamlining is creating clear, data-structured criteria which is an essential step to implementing next-generation AI tools. The revised content will be available in June and position us to ensure the innovative and cost-effective management of our military installations, infrastructure, and facilities well into the future.
Streamlining Implementation of Environmental Requirements
A significant area of opportunity to improve efficiency and effectiveness in our delivery of capability to our warfighters is to eliminate delays within the environmental permitting process.
As part of our response to Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy, and the Presidential Memorandum: Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century, the Department is working internally and with other key stakeholders in the Administration, such as the Council on Environmental Quality, to streamline how DoW implements the National Environmental Policy Act.
The Department has identified opportunities to innovate processes, leverage technology, and develop interoperability across various programs and environmental data systems with focus to enable streamlined environmental requirements and decision management for the Department.
My team continues to work closely with internal partner offices to assess and execute environmental requirements across various programs, to include expanding critical minerals capabilities and efforts to modernize the industrial base.
The Department recognizes that we have an immense responsibility to protect the health of the warfighter, their communities, as well as the natural resources entrusted to us. We are working to ensure we are maximizing our readiness and resilience while demonstrating responsible stewardship.
Maximizing the Department's Real Estate Portfolio
The Department is also looking to increase use of its 10 U.S.C. 2667 lease authority through enhanced-use leases to generate cash or in-kind consideration for the Department (e.g., leasing of DoW lands for AI data centers and mineral production).
Intergovernmental Support Agreements
Another available authority is intergovernmental support agreements or IGSAs. These are powerful tools that improve efficiency at our installations by leveraging the existing capabilities of our community partners to deliver installation support services. Examples of current IGSAs include a partnership between the State of North Carolina and the Navy for airfield support services at the Global TransPark in Kinston, NC, and an IGSA with the Denali Commission--an independent federal agency designed to provide critical utilities and infrastructure support throughout Alaska--to execute several key projects in Adak, Alaska which will expand contingency and training opportunities for both U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The Department will continue looking to maximize IGSA opportunities.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Our Warriors' readiness starts at home. And as we said before, quality of life is not a benefit--it is a core component of combat readiness. Our servicemembers should be able to focus on their missions without having to worry about issues with their housing or about the health and safety of their family members back home. Restoring quality of life standards is a critical component to reviving our warrior ethos and rebuilding our military and the Department remains committed to ensuring that these issues are addressed so that our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians can bring 100% of themselves to their missions.
Housing
As the Secretary of War has made clear, quality housing is critical to mission readiness, and we are all-in on providing the safe, clean, and comfortable conditions our Warriors and their families deserve. At his direction, the Department is aggressively confronting challenges across the entire housing portfolio--from government-controlled housing to privatized family homes--to correct deficiencies caused by decades of underfunding and lack of oversight, and to restore faith in our housing. Our commitment to improving living conditions for our Warriors is reflected in our generational investment of $26.3 billion in our housing portfolio, which includes:
* $20.3 billion for Unaccompanied Housing (UH);
* $1.2 billion for 5 UH construction projects; and
* $4.4 billion for Family Housing (FH).
The UH request, which represents a $16.3 billion increase over the FY 2026 budget, is dedicated to quickly and efficiently repairing and replacing our barracks inventory, providing quality housing for all servicemembers. It will ensure that all barracks are brought up to serviceable standards (facility code index of 80 or better) immediately and maintained thereafter. To achieve greater speed, efficiency, and flexibility, the Department is focusing on improvements through the Facility Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) program, leveraging the use of intergovernmental support agreements, Military Housing Privatization Initiatives and lease authorities, and the repair-by-replacement authorities provided in the FY 2024 NDAA.
The FH request is a significant $2.5 billion increase over the FY 2026 enactment and will be used to eliminate failing government-owned family housing units and significantly upgrade inadequate ones; and increase maintenance of the Family Housing inventory to safeguard our assets and enhance the well-being of military families. The budget of $2.1 billion includes $845 million in Family Housing Construction funds and $1.3 billion in Family Housing Operation & Maintenance funds. The Construction funds will support the new construction and renovation of over 300 homes in Germany, Japan, Guam, and the United Kingdom, as well as two MHPI restructures in Alaska and the Southeast Region to recapitalize and repair struggling privatized housing projects to ensure their long-term viability; while the Family Housing Operation & Maintenance request will support 32,000 government-owned homes, 6,000 government-leased homes, and oversight of 203,000 MHPI homes. The Department is also requesting $2.3 billion in mandatory Family Housing Construction and Family Housing Operation & Maintenance funds.
These efforts will be centered around two task forces which are designed to execute a targeted, expeditious strategy to fix the unique challenges within our unaccompanied and family housing portfolios.
On October 6, 2025, Secretary Hegseth established the Barracks Task Force (BTF) with the mandate to "find it, fix it" to ensure all barracks are "Safe, Clean, and Comfortable". As its initial action, the BTF conducted comprehensive, wall-to-wall inspections, delivering immediate improvements for ~237,000 Warriors. These initial fixes were enabled by $1.2B in mandatory funding to address critical life, health, and safety issues, including HVAC and plumbing repairs, mold remediation, fixing water intrusions from roofs and windows, and repairing door locks and installing security cameras in our Warriors' barracks. The BTF's ongoing efforts are focused on ensuring that the Department's unaccompanied housing habitability standard policy is implemented across all military installations, improving maintenance workflows, instituting new quality control measures, optimizing barracks investments, and providing free wireless internet across all barracks. My office, with the support of the Military Departments, is laser focused on ensuring the Secretary of War's directive to make all barracks "Safe, Clean, and Comfortable" is carried out to completion.
Further, to evaluate performance and restore financial viability across the ~204,000 privatized family homes in the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI), the Department recently launched the Housing Task Force & Deal Team (HTFDT). This task force is working to create fiscally responsible solutions to ensure the long-term viability of these critical housing assets. To accomplish this, the Department will review all housing agreements. Our evaluation will assess project capital reserves to develop sustainment strategies, recommend restructuring underperforming agreements, and recommend improved terms and increased accountability by which all deals will be executed. Going forward, privatized housing deals will provide improved outcomes for our Warriors, their families, and the American taxpayer.
As the Department rapidly pursues a revitalized housing portfolio, we have also continued to focus on improving housing oversight and accountability over the past year. To enhance the quality of our Warriors' barracks, the Department issued enterprise-wide guidance on unaccompanied housing habitability standards and improved the maintenance work order process by implementing digital work order systems across all installations. These actions, stemming from requirements in the FY 2024 and FY 2025 NDAAs, were instrumental in closing eleven open recommendations from the Government Accountability Office.
Lastly, in direct response to the FY 2026 NDAA, the Department is addressing statutory requirements to modernize housing requirements and market analysis across the enterprise. To support this effort, the Department is developing the Housing Decision Support Tool, a modern analytic capability designed to improve the accuracy, consistency, and usability of housing data to inform decision-making. This capability is intended to replace legacy, manual processes with a more integrated, data-driven approach to assessing housing needs and market conditions.
Together, these efforts strengthen the Department's ability to plan, prioritize, and oversee housing investments in alignment with Congressional direction and Department priorities.
GLOBAL POSTURE PRIORITIES
Enhancing the Global Footprint
Our strategic investments across our global installation portfolio--from the Pacific to the Arctic to Central America--form an integrated defense network essential for protecting the homeland, and the Department continues to engage with our host nation partners to provide our forces with the necessary installations and access to support the National Defense Strategy. These engagements include an increased focus on greater allied and partner burden-sharing and prioritizing investment in the most optimal locations.
One area of particular focus is the execution of several critical posture initiatives in Guam, which will help to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Supporting evolving Joint Force Homeland defense and Pacific warfighting requirements, including the deployment of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense of Guam capability, the expansion of Polaris Point, and addressing damages from Typhoon Mawar, requires unprecedented levels of military construction to provide our forces with the resilient infrastructure needed to organize, train, equip, and, if necessary, deliver lethal combat power. This increasing demand for construction, compounded by labor and material shortages, has prompted a comprehensive approach to delivering the right capabilities to the warfighter and we appreciate the continued support of Congress in addressing these issues.
These efforts are supported by a partnership between the Departments of War and Interior and the Governments of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to develop a comprehensive Mariana Island Conservation Strategy (MICS) to accelerate missionessential projects by streamlining Endangered Species Act compliance and reducing regulatory barriers. The MICS will address biosecurity, and invasive species risks that impact installation operations, the local economy, and human health and safety through a comprehensive, collaborative approach that balances infrastructure expansion and readiness with ecological integrity in these unique island environments.
Beyond Guam, the Department is focused on other key initiatives in support of the National Defense Strategy within the Indo-Pacific region. Through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in the Philippines, we are enhancing key sites to ensure they can serve as resilient platforms for a joint response to regional crises. In the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau, our investments in air and seaport infrastructure create secure logistical and dispersal nodes, enhancing the survivability of our forces and assets. In the CNMI, the rehabilitation of Tinian's airfields provides critical redundancy for our regional installations. These infrastructure projects are not merely about power projection; they are about building a forward-deployed, resilient network of installations that is fundamental to National Defense Strategy priorities.
This global importance on homeland defense extends to the High North, a region of growing strategic importance. The Department's strategy in this region is executed through its installations, which serve as the northern flank of our national defense. We are investing in the modernization of critical infrastructure, including in Alaska and at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, to provide persistent, all-domain awareness and early warning.
The Department is also focusing on ensuring that our installation footprint in the Western Hemisphere supports defense of the U.S. homeland and our hemispheric interests. Our cooperative security locations in Panama provide the necessary infrastructure to counter illicit trafficking and promote regional stability, directly contributing to the security of our border.
These installations are fundamental to ensuring the security and accessibility of the Panama Canal, a strategic chokepoint vital to our economic prosperity and the global mobility of our forces.
Congress' continued support for these initiatives is paramount to building the resilient and secure infrastructure necessary to defend our nation and its interests. We thank Congress for extending temporary authorities for certain workers to support military construction work on Wake Island, CNMI, and Guam.
Hawaii
The relationship between the U.S. Military and Hawai'i has been a critical piece of U.S. military and diplomatic strategy for over 125 years. Hawai'i's strategic location in the Pacific, unique training and port areas, and support for critical defense missions make it a cornerstone of our posture in the Indo-Pacific region. In support of this indispensable defense mission, the Military Departments have jurisdiction over approximately 222,000 acres of land in Hawai'i, roughly four percent of Hawai'i's land base. This includes approximately 39,000 acres in land leases and easements from the State of Hawaii which are going to expire between 2029-2032. These lands provide ideal locations for specialized defense capabilities, multi-domain operating areas to generate future force readiness, and training ranges that our Joint Force leverages with allies and partners. Retaining these mission critical training lands is a top priority to support the U.S. IndoPacific Command (USINDOPACOM) warfighter.
The Department recognizes that past incidents, particularly the fuel and concentrated AFFF spills at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and the diesel spill at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, have resulted in a loss of public trust between the DoW and Hawai'i residents. The situation has underscored the importance of working collaboratively with stakeholders to address the Department's continued management and use of lands and natural resources in Hawai'i.
Military personnel in Hawaii are working to engage consistently, respectfully, and transparently to strengthen relationships in support of the shared goals of national security, economic prosperity, and a healthy environment. The Hawaii Coordination Cell (HCC), established within EI&E, is working closely with the Military Departments, USINDOPACOM, and OSW counterparts to support a comprehensive and coordinated approach to support these efforts. The HCC serves as a primary point of contact for state and local officials, businesses, community organizations, and Hawai'i residents to connect with military personnel, engage in dialogue about key issues of concern and create opportunities for collaboration. These activities are essential to enable the continuation of the critical military missions in Hawai'i.
CONCLUSION
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the President's FY 2027 budget request for the Department of War's infrastructure portfolio. We appreciate Congress' continued support for our enterprise and look forward to working with you.
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Original text here: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/marks_testimony_fy27.pdf
"Horrifying Misuse of American Tax Dollars" - Lee Calls to Slash UN Agency Employing Hamas Terrorists, Hiding Hostages and Weapons
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, issued the following news release:* * *
"Horrifying Misuse of American Tax Dollars" - Lee Calls to Slash UN Agency Employing Hamas Terrorists, Hiding Hostages and Weapons
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and a large Senate Republican coalition urging President Trump to defund a United Nations (UN) agency employing and aiding Hamas terrorists. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) employs several terrorists who participated in the initial attacks by Hamas ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, issued the following news release: * * * "Horrifying Misuse of American Tax Dollars" - Lee Calls to Slash UN Agency Employing Hamas Terrorists, Hiding Hostages and Weapons * WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and a large Senate Republican coalition urging President Trump to defund a United Nations (UN) agency employing and aiding Hamas terrorists. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) employs several terrorists who participated in the initial attacks by Hamason October 7th, as well as many others with ties to Hamas, and has repeatedly aided the terrorist organization by hiding hostages and weapons and teaching a pro-terrorism, antisemitic curriculum.
"As if the UN were not already useless and expensive, it is now using American tax dollars to hide hostages and weapons for the Hamas terrorists it employs. Yes, really!" said Senator Mike Lee. "$70 million is funneled yearly from the United Nations to a group in Gaza employing multiple terrorists from the October 7th attacks and their friends. These American-paid employees have used our tax dollars to hide their hostages and weaponry and teach a pro-terrorism, antisemitic curriculum. Americans do not support this horrifying misuse of tax dollars - it must end now."
The letter reads as follows:
Dear President Trump,
We strongly support your administration's efforts to preserve Israel's long-term security and ensure that Gaza has a future free of Hamas's terrorist influence. Your strong leadership has been instrumental in advancing a comprehensive 20-point peace plan that demands Hamas disarm and play no role in Gaza governance. Achieving stability in Gaza requires ridding Gaza of the military, social, and political infrastructure that fed Hamas's power. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is one such structure that must be dismantled, not just in Gaza but across the region.
Established in 1949 as a temporary relief agency, UNRWA operates across Gaza, Judea and Samaria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. In defiance of its mission, extensive reports, investigations, and intelligence assessments have confirmed UNRWA's systemic infiltration by Hamas and other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations. Yet America continued to fund UNRWA.
Israel found that at least twelve UNRWA employees participated in the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, and that roughly ten percent of the agency's employees in Gaza have ties to terrorist groups. Recently, a USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation identified three additional UNRWA employees who participated in the attacks as well as 14 others affiliated with Hamas. The USAID OIG is expanding its probe to examine more than 100 UNRWA employees for potential ties to Hamas and involvement in the attacks.
Since October 7, Hamas has repeatedly diverted UNRWA's supplies, used its facilities to hide weapons stockpiles and tunnel infrastructure, and even used its buildings to hold hostages. UNRWA's educational curriculum glorifies terrorism and antisemitism. Yet while the United States has suspended direct funding and Israel has banned the agency from operating on its territory, UNRWA remains active in Gaza. UNRWA continues to receive $70 million annually from the United Nations regular budget - of which the United States provides roughly a quarter.
We strongly urge your administration to take decisive action to fully dismantle UNRWA and eliminate it from the UN budget. Any aid organization in Gaza or otherwise must be demonstrably free of ties to terrorism and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace. We must ensure this failed system doesn't continue reinforcing the conditions that have fueled terrorism for generations. The time to act is now.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We stand prepared to assist.
The letter is cosigned by Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).
Read exclusive coverage by The New York Post here.
Read the full text of the letter here.
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Original text here: https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/5/horrifying-misuse-of-american-tax-dollars-lee-calls-to-slash-un-agency-employing-hamas-terrorists-hiding-hostages-and-weapons