U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
At Politico's Security Summit, Fischer Highlights Strategic Forces Priorities
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
* * *
At Politico's Security Summit, Fischer Highlights Strategic Forces Priorities
*
Also discusses China visit, Iran, defense funding
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, discussed her recent official visit to China, nuclear modernization, the expiration of the New START Treaty with Russia, sustained funding for Golden Dome, President Trump's record $1.5 trillion defense budget request, and U.S.-Iran tensions.
Watch the full interview
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
* * *
At Politico's Security Summit, Fischer Highlights Strategic Forces Priorities
*
Also discusses China visit, Iran, defense funding
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, discussed her recent official visit to China, nuclear modernization, the expiration of the New START Treaty with Russia, sustained funding for Golden Dome, President Trump's record $1.5 trillion defense budget request, and U.S.-Iran tensions.
Watch the full interviewhere or by clicking the image above.
On her recent trip to China:
Fischer: "Senator Daines did lead a bipartisan Senate delegation to China -we just got back Friday evening, and I think it was quite successful. China is a nation that cannot be ignored. They are a peer nuclear adversary. We now have two peer adversaries -Russia and China. To be able to carry on conversations on any number of topics with high Chinese officials was beneficial for both sides, and we stressed the importance of maintaining those relationships.
"We talked about trade -all members of the delegation were extremely interested in reciprocal trade, whether in agriculture products or Boeing airplanes.... We had frank conversations about fentanyl precursors, Iran, supply chains, and more. It wasn't planned to coincide with President Trump's trip to China, but I think that raised the level of interest in having the fourth Congressional CODEL to China since COVID."
On the New START Treaty's expiration:
Fischer: "China has not been party to past arms control agreements, and I think it's extremely important to bring them into any future discussions. We've learned from Russia that they don't honor treaties -they ignore them. But having a treaty with open, verifiable discussions with both nations is essential.
"Second is continuing to modernize our nuclear triad -not only the platforms, but the weapons for those platforms. Sentinel has had some challenges. We now have the program manager, General White, with a direct line to the Secretary, which has been helpful. There's one throat to choke, and that's General White. He's the right person for the job.
"On bombers, we've heard from multiple combatant commanders -STRATCOM, INDOPACOM -that we need to raise the number of B-21s in the modernization schedule. When all of this was set up in 2010, the geopolitical atmosphere was very different. They've said publicly we need 200 bombers, accounting for maintenance cycles and the combined demands of STRATCOM and INDOPACOM. We also need to accelerate the Columbia-class submarine program.
"Beyond that, there's the [National Nuclear Security Administration]. I'm very passionate about that -we'll actually have a hearing tomorrow on energy with the Secretary, and I'll be focused on ensuring NNSA has the resources it needs."
On defense funding:
Fischer: "Providing for the common defense is the core duty and priority of Congress. When we look at what's proposed, I'll note that under the Biden administration, the Armed Services Committee consistently increased what was submitted -we raised it in our deliberations and in the NDAA.
"I applaud President Trump for going in with his eyes wide open, understanding the threats we face. And to meet those threats, $1.5 trillion is needed. We need to approach this with our eyes open as well."
On continued support for Golden Dome:
Fischer: "First, we have to sustain the funding throughout -the $24 billion already in place covers radars, sensors, and interceptors. This is going to require sustained investment.
"Senator King, the ranking member on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, and I meet regularly with General Guetlein -often every other week -and I think he's done a good job explaining the purpose of Golden Dome and the layered defense approach....
"I do want to be careful about discussing specifics publicly -and I recognize that may sound like a cop-out, but our adversaries are watching this program very carefully. That said, I am comfortable with what is being proposed and the thought that has gone into it."
On Iran:
Fischer: "People are worried about price increases. I hear from ag producers about fertilizer costs, and from consumers about gas prices. But I also believe people have a deep understanding of the threat this country faces. If Iran becomes a nuclear nation capable of reaching the United States -and they have significantly advanced their ballistic missile capabilities; we saw that with their strikes on Diego Garcia, and they can now reach London -it's not a large step to reaching the U.S. People understand that. The message I give to Nebraskans and all Americans is: we cannot have a nuclear Iran."
***
Original text here: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=ECC7FF14-226D-46FD-BCA1-9CBC8F5D5C21
At Hearing, Warren, Army Secretary Calls for Congress to Authorize the Military Right to Repair, Debunks Defense Contractors' Claims Undermining Reforms
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
* * *
At Hearing, Warren, Army Secretary Calls for Congress to Authorize the Military Right to Repair, Debunks Defense Contractors' Claims Undermining Reforms
*
Driscoll: "We, the U.S. Army and the broader military, must maintain the right to take advantage of all the new tools because if we don't, our adversaries will and we are put at a meaningfully worse position."
Video of Exchange (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. - At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
* * *
At Hearing, Warren, Army Secretary Calls for Congress to Authorize the Military Right to Repair, Debunks Defense Contractors' Claims Undermining Reforms
*
Driscoll: "We, the U.S. Army and the broader military, must maintain the right to take advantage of all the new tools because if we don't, our adversaries will and we are put at a meaningfully worse position."
Video of Exchange (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. - At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren(D-Mass.) questioned Army Secretary Dan Driscoll on claims from big defense contractors' lobbyists opposing reforms. Secretary Driscoll agreed with the senator on the importance of the military's right to repair its own equipment.
The Department of Defense (DoD) spends billions of dollars buying equipment, but contractors impose repair restrictions preventing servicemembers from fixing their weapons and often overcharge. Senator Warren pointed to Black Hawk helicopter knobs, used to scroll through information, that could be replaced for $15 but instead cause the helicopter to go entirely out of commission when broken unless the Army agrees to pay the contractor $47,000 to replace the entire system's screen.
Last year, Senator Warren fought to include her and Senator Tim Sheehy's (R-Mont.) bipartisan Warrior Right to Repair Act in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA). Both the House and Senate bills included bipartisan military right to repair reforms that were stripped out at the eleventh hour behind closed doors under pressure from major defense contractor lobbyists.
During the hearing, Secretary Driscoll rebuked claims made by defense contractors against right to repair that the Army can't be trusted with sensitive data as "one of the more preposterous things I have heard," noting that the Army is highly capable of handling sensitive data and does not want to take data but to purchase it.
Senator Warren also slammed defense contractors' counterproposal of "data as a service," which would allow companies to "meter and bill" the DoD every time they access the materials. One defense contracting company already charges the Air Force $900 a page for upgrades to its maintenance manuals. Secretary Driscoll said soldiers already have trouble in peacetime accessing this information. In a war, not having access to the right to repair "could be the decisive point between us being successful somewhere 6,000 miles away in the Indo-Pacific or failing our mission if we cannot repair our equipment."
"Data as a service is just another attempt to gouge American taxpayers and put our servicemembers at risk," said Senator Warren.
Secretary Driscoll also reaffirmed his commitment to passing a right to repair law this Congress as "one of the most important things."
Secretary Driscoll continued, "We, the U.S. Army and the broader military, must maintain the right to take advantage of all the new tools because if we don't, our adversaries will and we are put at a meaningfully worse position."
Senator Warren concluded the hearing by calling on Congress to pass right to repair reforms in this year's National Defense Authorization Act. She has been a leader on right to repair in the military, securing support from defense officials and military leaders in the Trump administration to make sure servicemembers can repair their own equipment. Last year, Secretary Driscoll announced that the Army will ensure right to repair provisions are included in future Army contracts.
Transcript: Hearings to examine the posture of the Department of the Army in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Defense Program.
Senate Armed Services Committee
May 12, 2026
Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We need a military right to repair law.
Got an example today, and that is Black Hawk helicopters. There's a tiny knob that pilots need to scroll through for information, and every month, about four of them break. The Army could replace them for about $15 bucks, but because the Army doesn't have the right to repair, the whole helicopter goes offline, and the contractor charges $47,000 to replace the entire screen.
Let that sink in: $15 or $47,000.
Now, Secretary Driscoll, you and other military leaders have repeatedly said that Congress needs to pass the right to repair law. Last year, both the House and Senate both passed reforms, but the big defense contractors' lobbyists killed it behind closed doors.
So, let's talk out in the open about what those lobbyists are claiming. Let's just get it out here.
Number one: They say contractors can't hand over their IP and data because the Army would steal it.
Secretary Driscoll, what do you say to big contractors that claim the Army can't be trusted with sensitive data?
Secretary Dan Driscoll: Senator, I would say that's one of the more preposterous things I have heard in the last 18 months.
Senator Warren: But you have heard it?
Secretary Driscoll: I have heard it often that we, the United States Army, would take this data and do something nefarious at worst, or perhaps at best, from a moral perspective, we would haphazardly handle it. The U.S. Army and the Pentagon in particular are exceptionally good at handling sensitive data, and we have incredible processes in place. I would say more so than any other organization, and so my reply is, and has always been, we don't want to take any data. We just want to purchase it.
Senator Warren: OK, so let's do another one. Big contractors claim that DoD doesn't need right to repair reforms because you already have all the authority you need to access technical data for repairs. Now, it turns out, when you look at that existing legal authority, it explicitly says that technical data "does not include computer software."
Secretary Driscoll, it's 2026. Most weapons run on software. If the Army can't use software to repair its own equipment and weapons, is that a problem for readiness?
Secretary Driscoll: Unequivocally yes.
Senator Warren: Yeah. So, in fact, for example, the Army is already unable to repair the Avenger air defense system because it doesn't have the software it needs. So, right to repair must include software.
Let's do one more. Big contractors have floated the idea of "data as a service," which is really just code for "Pay per View." It means that the Department is "metered and billed" every single time they access the materials. It's pretty easy to see how costs would add up in those circumstances since one contractor is already charging the Air Force $900 a page for upgrades to its maintenance manuals.
Secretary Driscoll, aside from the cost of pay-per-view, what happens if the Army is trying to repair a piece of broken equipment in a remote area and has to keep messaging the contractor to get access to the manual?
Secretary Driscoll: Senator, this is what happens frequently, whether the specifics are true today or directionally true. Directionally, soldiers struggle mightily to keep a lot of our equipment online, and this is not in a moment of conflict. That could be the decisive point between us being successful somewhere 6,000 miles away in the Indo-Pacific or failing our mission if we cannot repair our equipment.
Senator Warren: It is a reminder. We've got to have this access. I just want to say, this business of "data as a service" is just another attempt to gouge American taxpayers and put our servicemembers at risk.
Last question, Secretary Driscoll. Does the Army need Congress to pass right to repair reforms in this year's National Defense Authorization Act, or should we let big contractors kill it once again behind closed doors? What do you think here? This one is known as low and slow over the plate.
Secretary Driscoll: Yes. This is one of the most important things, and I don't say this to be over the top. I am not intending to play into the set of questions. We, the U.S. Army and the broader military, must maintain the right to take advantage of all the new tools because if we don't, our adversaries will, and we will be put at a meaningfully worse position.
Senator Warren: I very much appreciate the job you are trying to do.
Senator Warren has been a leader on right to repair in the military:
* In March 2026, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senator Warren debunked large defense contractor claims that right to repair would infringe on trade secrets and secured commitments from military leaders from all services on providing Congress with data to identify programs lacking technical data needed for repairs by the end of the month.
* In December 2025, Senators Warren and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) released a statement in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA) not including bipartisan language from their bill to give the military the right to repair their own equipment.
* In November 2025, Senator Warren, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, wrote to the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), the trade association for big DoD contractors, regarding its opposition to the bipartisan right to repair reform in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
* In July 2025, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sat down with CBS's Caitlin Huey-Burns to highlight their Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025.
* In July 2025, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025, legislation that would require contractors to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with access to technical data and materials the military needs to repair and maintain its own equipment.
***
Original text here: https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-hearing-warren-army-secretary-calls-for-congress-to-authorize-the-military-right-to-repair-debunks-defense-contractors-claims-undermining-reforms
At Hearing with Epstein Survivors, Krishnamoorthi Demands Release of Treasury Records, Rejects Potential Clemency for Maxwell
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
* * *
At Hearing with Epstein Survivors, Krishnamoorthi Demands Release of Treasury Records, Rejects Potential Clemency for Maxwell
*
WEST PALM BEACH, FL -During a hearing with Epstein survivors and advocates today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi demanded the release of additional Treasury Department records tied to Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking network and reiterated his opposition to any potential clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell.
During the hearing, "Survivors Fight for Justice: Exposing Epstein's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
* * *
At Hearing with Epstein Survivors, Krishnamoorthi Demands Release of Treasury Records, Rejects Potential Clemency for Maxwell
*
WEST PALM BEACH, FL -During a hearing with Epstein survivors and advocates today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi demanded the release of additional Treasury Department records tied to Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking network and reiterated his opposition to any potential clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell.
During the hearing, "Survivors Fight for Justice: Exposing Epstein'sCrimes in Palm Beach and Across the World," Krishnamoorthi pressed witnesses on unreleased Suspicious Activity Reports tied to Epstein's financial activity, additional DOJ evidence that has yet to be publicly disclosed, and accountability for individuals connected to Epstein's abuse network who have not been charged.
"The Senate Finance Committee has found Epstein made wire transfers that are detailed in these Suspicious Activity Reports -SARs reports -to the tune of $1.5 billion, with a 'B,' and include the names of women and girls he may have trafficked, as well as the names of his potential clients," Krishnamoorthi said.
"If we're serious about following the money, I believe that these SARs reports must be disclosed by the U.S. Treasury Department now. Immediately. Today."
Krishnamoorthi also forcefully rejected any potential clemency for Maxwell.
"Maxwell hasn't shown any guilt, hasn't shown any remorse, hasn't shown any ounce of accountability for what she did," Krishnamoorthi said. "I've introduced a House resolution condemning clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell. I hope everyone here will join me because we have to do everything in our power to block a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell."
Addressing President Trump directly, Krishnamoorthi added: "Donald Trump, I'm calling on you to listen to survivors, release all of the documents, unredact all these people, prosecute the rest of these people, and investigate the remaining enablers."
"In addition, Ghislaine Maxwell should never ever ever receive clemency," Krishnamoorthi continued. "That monster should not be given pardon."
The hearing featured testimony from Epstein survivors and advocates, including Danielle Bensky, Courtney Wild, Jean-Lisa Jones, Lauren Hersh, and Spencer Kuvin.
Footage of the Congressman's question line is available here.
***
Original text here: https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/hearing-epstein-survivors-krishnamoorthi-demands-release-treasury-records
As Trump's Illegal War with Iran Drives up Costs at Every Turn, Lujan Fights to Tackle Affordability Crisis Hitting New Mexicans and the Agricultural Industry
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
* * *
As Trump's Illegal War with Iran Drives up Costs at Every Turn, Lujan Fights to Tackle Affordability Crisis Hitting New Mexicans and the Agricultural Industry
*
Lujan Concludes Weeklong Tour Across New Mexico Meeting with Industry Experts and New Mexicans to Address President Trump's Affordability Crisis
Las Cruces, N.M. - As President Trump's illegal war with Iran continues to drive up costs across industries, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) brought together experts and representatives from
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
* * *
As Trump's Illegal War with Iran Drives up Costs at Every Turn, Lujan Fights to Tackle Affordability Crisis Hitting New Mexicans and the Agricultural Industry
*
Lujan Concludes Weeklong Tour Across New Mexico Meeting with Industry Experts and New Mexicans to Address President Trump's Affordability Crisis
Las Cruces, N.M. - As President Trump's illegal war with Iran continues to drive up costs across industries, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) brought together experts and representatives frombusiness, health care, housing, family services, and agriculture sectors to address the administration's policies that are increasing operational expenses and hitting pocketbooks across Southern New Mexico.
At the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico, Senator Lujan brought together representatives from various sectors, including housing, health care, family and economic support, and business, to address the growing affordability crisis facing New Mexicans. Senator Lujan and participants underscored how rising costs are straining families at every level -from housing and health care to groceries and childcare -and discussed his legislative efforts to lower costs, strengthen economic security, and deliver meaningful relief for families across New Mexico.
"New Mexicans are paying the price for the Trump administration's costly and chaotic policies," said Senator Lujan. "From higher everyday expenses to growing uncertainty across local industries, families and workers in Southern New Mexico and across our state are feeling the impact. I'm continuing to push back against policies that are driving up costs and hurting working families, while fighting for solutions that lower costs, strengthen local economies, and help our families."
As President Trump's illegal war with Iran continues to drive up costs for the agricultural industry, Senator Lujan led a coalition of farmers and agricultural representatives to examine and address the financial strain facing agricultural operations and its impact on New Mexicans. Senator Lujan and agricultural experts highlighted how the war with Iran has driven up the costs of inputs -including fuel, fertilizer, and equipment -and is squeezing thin margins and threatening the industry. Senator Lujan also outlined policy priorities aimed at lowering costs for producers and consumers, while underscoring his push to reverse SNAP cuts made by Congressional Republicans.
"Across New Mexico, our farmers, ranchers, dairy producers, and entire agriculture industry work tirelessly to provide for our communities. But because of actions taken by this administration, the industry is being hit with higher costs and tremendous uncertainty," said Senator Lujan. "To the folks that were able to join me at NMSU: thank you for your time and insight. These conversations will help me fight back against policies that hurt our state's agricultural industry."
***
Original text here: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-trumps-illegal-war-with-iran-drives-up-costs-at-every-turn-lujan-fights-to-tackle-affordability-crisis-hitting-new-mexicans-and-the-agricultural-industry/
Ansari, Suozzi Introduce Legislation to Provide Relief to Iranians Impacted by Trump Administration USCIS Pause
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
* * *
Ansari, Suozzi Introduce Legislation to Provide Relief to Iranians Impacted by Trump Administration USCIS Pause
*
WASHINGTON - Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), the first Iranian-American Democrat in Congress, along with Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act. This legislation would provide temporary immigration protections for certain eligible Iranians already in the United States who are at risk of losing legal status by granting Temporary
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
* * *
Ansari, Suozzi Introduce Legislation to Provide Relief to Iranians Impacted by Trump Administration USCIS Pause
*
WASHINGTON - Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), the first Iranian-American Democrat in Congress, along with Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act. This legislation would provide temporary immigration protections for certain eligible Iranians already in the United States who are at risk of losing legal status by granting TemporaryProtected Status and work authorization while USCIS adjudications remain paused.
"No one who has followed U.S. immigration law should lose their legal status or livelihood because the Trump Administration refuses to process their case," said Rep. Ansari. "Creating deliberate processing delays for lawfully present individuals who have complied with every requirement is unjust. I'm introducing my Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act to protect Iranian immigrants who are already here legally and are contributing to our communities and economy, and would face serious danger if forced to return while ongoing conflict and repression persist in Iran."
"People who followed the law, passed background checks, and built lives contributing to our economy and communities should not lose their legal status because of bureaucratic delays and political turmoil beyond their control," said Rep. Suozzi. "As the war continues and the Iranian regime intensifies its brutal repression of its own people, forcing lawfully present Iranian nationals back into the hands of the very regime they fled is both cruel and counterproductive. This narrowly tailored, temporary, and carefully vetted legislation protects individuals who played by the rules, strengthens our economy by retaining talented and highly skilled contributors, and prevents civilians from paying the price for administrative backlog."
Key Provisions of the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act:
* Provide Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible Iranian nationals already present in the United States
* Grant work authorization to prevent economic hardship and workforce disruption
* Maintain lawful presence for individuals impacted by the USCIS adjudication pause while their immigration matters remain pending
* Exclude individuals connected to the Islamic Republic and their family members
Ansari and Suozzi's legislation is endorsed by PAAIA; Iranian American Legal Defense Fund; and Pars Equality Center.
"PAAIA is proud to support the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act, a narrow and pragmatic measure that protects Iranian nationals who are already legally present in the United States and have complied with our immigration laws. At a time when many cannot safely return to Iran due to ongoing conflict and repression, this bill provides temporary relief to vetted individuals with no criminal backgrounds who are contributing to the United States as students, scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and other skilled professionals. Importantly, the legislation includes strong safeguards to ensure that individuals connected to or benefiting from the Iranian regime are not eligible for relief," said the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA).
"The adjudication pause has had devastating consequences to the Iranian American community and American society at large. Behind every case number caught in the adjudication pause is a person whose life has been placed in limbo -a student, a professional, a parent, a spouse, a neighbor -someone who came to this country, followed the rules, and built a future worth protecting. It also deprives America of talented researchers, scholars, and professionals who drive innovation and economic progress. That human reality is impossible to ignore: professionals, students, and families now risk losing their work authorization, their legal footing, and years of hard-earned progress, through no fault of their own. Congresswoman Ansari's legislation offers a necessary lifeline to alleviate the human consequences of this shortsighted policy. We applaud her and other sponsors of the legislation," said the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund.
"The USCIS adjudication pause has created devastating uncertainty for Iranian nationals who complied with every aspect of U.S. immigration law and now face the loss of lawful status, employment authorization, and stability through no fault of their own. The Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act provides a narrowly tailored, commonsense solution that protects individuals who followed the law and strengthens our economy by retaining highly skilled talent. Pars Equality Center proudly supports this important legislation," said Paris Etemadi Scott, Legal Director at Pars Equality Center.
Text of legislation HERE.
***
Original text here: https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-suozzi-introduce-legislation-to-provide-relief-to-iranians-impacted-by-trump-administration-uscis-pause
Ahead of Beijing Summit, Shaheen, Tillis, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge President Trump to Permit Taiwan Arms Sales
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on May 11, 2026:
* * *
Ahead of Beijing Summit, Shaheen, Tillis, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge President Trump to Permit Taiwan Arms Sales
Last week, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Curtis (R-UT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) sent a letter urging President Trump to formally notify $14
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on May 11, 2026:
* * *
Ahead of Beijing Summit, Shaheen, Tillis, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge President Trump to Permit Taiwan Arms Sales
Last week, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Curtis (R-UT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) sent a letter urging President Trump to formally notify $14billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi later this week.
"We strongly encourage your administration to formally notify the $14 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan that Congress pre-approved in January 2025," wrote the Senators. "Following months of encouragement from bipartisan members of Congress and your administration, Taiwan's Legislative Yuan today approved a robust special defense budget of $25 billion to enhance the island's self-defense capabilities. The vast majority of this new budget will fund U.S.-provided defensive arms pending notification to Congress, including counter-drone assets, an integrated battle command system and medium-range munitions."
The Senators insisted to the President that American support for Taiwan not be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Xi.
"Just as Taiwan's leaders demonstrated unity in support of their people's defense, so too must we move ahead with pending U.S. arms sales vital to our own national interests," continued the Senators. "You should make clear to Beijing that as you seek to level the economic playing field, American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiation."
The Senators outlined the negative consequences of PRC control of Taiwan would have on American families.
"In a world in which Beijing moves decisively to seek control of Taiwan, American families would suffer from severe and long-term inflation, supply chain disruptions that would destroy manufacturing jobs at home and steep hikes in the cost of living," concluded the Senators. "We would lose a vital democratic and technology partner to autocracy and our allies would be forced to readjust to a regional order dominated by Beijing. This future is not theoretical. It can and must be prevented and we have partners in Taipei stepping up to meet the challenge. That is why we urge you to formally notify the $14 billion package of arms to Congress as required by law."
Full text of the letter to President Trump is available HERE (https://www.foreign.senate.gov/download/05082026-bipartisan-letter-to-president-trump-on-taiwan) and provided below.
Dear President Trump:
Ahead of your summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week, we urge you and your team to make clear that America's support for Taiwan is inviolable. In particular, we strongly encourage your administration to formally notify the $14 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan that Congress pre-approved in January 2025. Following months of encouragement from bipartisan members of Congress and your administration, Taiwan's Legislative Yuan today approved a robust special defense budget of $25 billion to enhance the island's self-defense capabilities. The vast majority of this new budget will fund U.S.-provided defensive arms pending notification to Congress, including counter-drone assets, an integrated battle command system and medium-range munitions. Taiwan's leaders secured cross-party agreement on this significant additional investment in deterrence despite persistent and overt pressure from Beijing to block the budget altogether. Just as Taiwan's leaders demonstrated unity in support of their people's defense, so too must we move ahead with pending U.S. arms sales vital to our own national interests. You should make clear to Beijing that as you seek to level the economic playing field, American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiation.
Many of us have traveled to Taiwan in recent months and were reminded not only of the stakes in a cross-strait contingency but also of the centrality of American support to checking China's aggression. The arms and security partnership that we have provided to Taiwan on a bipartisan basis for over four decades serve as an effective bulwark against Chinese military action that would plunge the world into a catastrophic war, cause a lasting economic depression and permanently change the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific to Beijing's advantage. The conventional and asymmetric capabilities we provide - drones, anti-ship missiles, radar systems and mines - make a Chinese invasion prohibitively costly and thereby help preserve the peaceful status quo. Swiftly advancing the pending U.S. arms package to Taiwan would also support jobs across the United States and investment in our defense industrial base as we face mounting global threats.
Political leaders from across Taiwan have just overcome extraordinary and sustained pressure from Beijing to support defense investments that bolster our partnership, protect the Taiwanese people's freedoms and help prevent Chinese aggression that would lead to catastrophe. In a world in which Beijing moves decisively to seek control of Taiwan, American families would suffer from severe and long-term inflation, supply chain disruptions that would destroy manufacturing jobs at home and steep hikes in the cost of living. We would lose a vital democratic and technology partner to autocracy and our allies would be forced to readjust to a regional order dominated by Beijing. This future is not theoretical. It can and must be prevented and we have partners in Taipei stepping up to meet the challenge. That is why we urge you to formally notify the $14 billion package of arms to Congress as required by law. For the sake of all Americans, the United States must continue to help Taiwan defend itself - as we have since Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.foreign.senate.gov/press/dem/release/ahead-of-beijing-summit-shaheen-tillis-bipartisan-colleagues-urge-president-trump-to-permit-taiwan-arms-sales
2026 Annual Report: Opportunities to Reduce Duplication, Overlap, and Fragmentation and Achieve an Additional One Hundred Billion Dollars or More in Future Financial Benefits
WASHINGTON, May 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
2026 Annual Report: Opportunities to Reduce Duplication, Overlap, and Fragmentation and Achieve an Additional One Hundred Billion Dollars or More in Future Financial Benefits
*
Fast Facts
This is our 16th annual report on federal programs that have duplicative, overlapping, or fragmented goals or actions. We have suggested hundreds of ways to address those problems, reduce costs, or boost revenue. Congressional and agency action in these areas has yielded about $774.3 billion in cost savings
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
* * *
2026 Annual Report: Opportunities to Reduce Duplication, Overlap, and Fragmentation and Achieve an Additional One Hundred Billion Dollars or More in Future Financial Benefits
*
Fast Facts
This is our 16th annual report on federal programs that have duplicative, overlapping, or fragmented goals or actions. We have suggested hundreds of ways to address those problems, reduce costs, or boost revenue. Congressional and agency action in these areas has yielded about $774.3 billion in cost savingsand revenue increases.
There are 610 remaining matters for congressional consideration and recommendations to agencies that could yield even more benefits. This includes 97 new matters and recommendations we identified in this report.
Addressing the remaining suggestions could save over $100 billion or more and improve government services.
U.S. currency in denominations of $100 bills.
Highlights
What GAO Found
GAO identified 97 new matters for congressional consideration and recommendations to federal agencies to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the federal government. These matters and recommendations highlight various risks that are heightened when duplication, overlap, and fragmentation are not managed effectively. Risks include a lack of consistent information on program effectiveness, increased costs or inefficient use of resources, access barriers for users, and increased risks of fraud, waste, and abuse.
Examples of New Topic Areas
Topic Area and description
Linked report number
VA and DOD Health Care Sharing Agreements. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) should evaluate agreements to share health care resources and identify more opportunities for sharing, which could better manage fragmented services, improve access to care, and potentially save tens of millions of dollars annually.
Report: GAO-25-107497
Government-wide Anti-Scam Strategy. The Federal Bureau of Investigation should collaborate with other agencies on a strategy to combat consumer scams, which could strengthen agencies' fraud prevention and detection capabilities and better manage fragmented and overlapping efforts.
Report: GAO-25-107088
Employment Support for Older Workers. The Departments of Education and Labor should increase coordination on workforce development programs, which could help the departments better manage fragmentation in employment programs and improve mission delivery.
Report: GAO-26-107439
Nuclear Waste Classification. The Department of Energy should evaluate opportunities to manage certain waste as non-high-level radioactive waste, which could help accelerate nuclear cleanup efforts, reduce environmental risks, and potentially save tens of billions of dollars.
Report: GAO-26-108018
Key: = Duplication, Overlap, or Fragmentation = Cost Savings or Revenue Enhancement
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-108505
As of March 2026, Congress and agencies had fully or partially addressed 1,662 (77 percent) of the 2,148 matters and recommendations GAO identified from 2011 to 2026. This has resulted in financial and other benefits such as improved interagency coordination and reduced mismanagement, fraud, waste, and abuse.
In particular, these efforts have cumulatively resulted in about $774.3 billion in financial benefits, an increase of about $49.3 billion from GAO's last report on this topic. These are rough estimates based on a variety of sources that considered different time periods and used different data sources, assumptions, and methodologies.
Total Financial Benefits of $774.3 Billion Identified in GAO's 2011-2026 Duplication and Cost Savings Annual Reports
Further steps are needed to fully address the matters and recommendations GAO identified from 2011 to 2026. Of the 610 open matters and recommendations, 182 (about 30 percent) have the potential for financial benefits. Legislation was introduced in the 118th or 119th Congress to address 30 (about 37 percent) of the 82 open matters. As of February 2026, legislation had not been enacted to fully address these matters, and they remain open.
GAO estimates that fully addressing the remaining open matters and recommendations could yield financial benefits of one hundred billion dollars or more and improve governmental services, among other benefits.
Examples of Open Topic Areas with Potential Financial Benefits
Topic area and description (GAO report number linked)
Mission
Potential financial benefits a
(Source of estimate)
Medicare Payments by Place of Service: Congress could realize additional financial benefits if it took steps to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to equalize payment rates between settings (e.g., physician offices and hospital outpatient departments) for all hospital outpatient departments, regardless of whether they are deemed on- or off-campus, for evaluation and management office visits and other services that the Secretary deems appropriate. ( GAO-16-189 )
Health
$156.9 billion over 10 years
(Congressional Budget Office)
Medicare Part B: Congress should consider eliminating the incentive to prescribe more drugs or more expensive drugs than necessary to treat Medicare Part B beneficiaries at hospitals that participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program. ( GAO-15-442 )
Health
Tens of billions of dollars
(Congressional Budget Office)
Public-Safety Broadband Network: Congress should consider reauthorizing FirstNet-including different options for its placement-and ensure key statutory and contract responsibilities are addressed before current authorities sunset in 2027. ( GAO-22-104915 )
Information Technology
$15 billion over 15 years b
(GAO analysis of the FirstNet Contract)
Individual Retirement Accounts: Congress should consider revisiting the use of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to accumulate large balances and consider ways to improve the equity and efficiency of the existing tax expenditure on IRAs. ( GAO-15-16 )
General Government
Ten billion dollars or more
(Joint Committee on Taxation and the Department of the Treasury)
Navy Shipbuilding: The Navy could achieve cost savings by improving its acquisition practices and ensuring that ships can be efficiently sustained. ( GAO-20-2 )
Defense
Billions of dollars
(GAO analysis of Department of Defense data)
Student Loan Income-Driven Repayment Plans : The Department of Education should obtain data to verify income information for borrowers reporting zero income on Income-Driven Repayment applications. ( GAO-19-347 )
Training, Employment, and Education
More than $2 billion over 10 years
(Congressional Budget Office)
Source: GAO. | GAO-26-108505
a The potential financial benefits shown in this table represent estimates of amounts GAO or others believe could accrue if steps are taken to implement the actions described. The estimates are dependent on various factors, such as whether action is taken and how it is taken. Realized financial benefits may be less, depending on costs associated with implementing the action, unintended consequences, and the effect of controlling for other factors. The individual estimates in this table should be compared with caution, as they come from a variety of sources, which consider different time periods and use different data sources, assumptions, and methodologies.
b If FirstNet sunsets in 2027, it is unclear what will happen to the remaining $15 billion in scheduled annual payments, which FirstNet currently has authority to collect and reinvest.
Why GAO Did This Study
GAO is required to annually report on federal programs, agencies, offices, and initiatives-either within departments or government-wide-that have potentially duplicative goals or activities. As part of this work, GAO also identifies additional opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness that result in cost savings or enhanced revenue collection.
This report discusses new opportunities for achieving billions of dollars in potential financial benefits and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of a wide range of federal programs. It also evaluates the status of prior matters for congressional consideration and recommendations for federal agencies related to the Duplication and Cost Savings body of work.
In addition, this report provides examples of other, still open matters and recommendations where further implementation steps could yield significant financial and other benefits.
For more information, contact Jessica Lucas-Judy at lucasjudyj@gao.gov or Cardell Johnson at JohnsonCD1@gao.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108505
