U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Cantwell Statement on Trump's Decimation of the National Science Board
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell Statement on Trump's Decimation of the National Science Board
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's unprecedented termination of members of the National Science Board. The National Science Board helps guide the National Science Foundation (NSF) and its support for technological and scientific research and innovation.
"The abrupt
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell Statement on Trump's Decimation of the National Science Board
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's unprecedented termination of members of the National Science Board. The National Science Board helps guide the National Science Foundation (NSF) and its support for technological and scientific research and innovation.
"The abrupttermination of members of the National Science Board represents a dangerous attack on the institutions and expertise that drive American innovation and discovery. This action, combined with the administration's devastating proposed budget cuts to the National Science Foundation, signals a reckless disregard for the scientific enterprise and the universities and broader innovation ecosystem that anchor our nation's competitiveness," Sen. Cantwell said.
As the highest-ranking Democrat on the committee that oversees our nation's science agencies, Sen. Cantwell has been a stalwart defender of NSF. Earlier this year, she led an effort to reject President Trump's massive proposed budget cuts to NSF, NASA, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Senate instead passed an appropriations bill that stabilized funding for all three agencies.
Sen. Cantwell was also a main architect and key negotiator of the 2022 CHIPS & Science Act. In her position as Chair of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, she was instrumental in securing the science R&D funding authorizations in the 11th hour of negotiations. The new law authorized a new mission at the NSF focusing on translational science in key areas - including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, advanced manufacturing, composites, energy, and biotech -with an authorization of $20 billion over five years.
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READ MORE:
Reuters: US Senate passes bill to boost federal science spending after White House sought major cuts (https://www.reuters.com/world/us-senate-passes-bill-boost-federal-science-spending-after-white-house-sought-2026-01-15/)
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Original text here: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-trumps-decimation-of-the-national-science-board
Cantwell Co-Introduces Bill to Block Trump's Executive Order Restricting Vote by Mail
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell Co-Introduces Bill to Block Trump's Executive Order Restricting Vote by Mail
ICYMI: Cantwell, colleagues warn USPS that complying with Trump's illegal mail-in voting executive order would be "a blatant violation of the Constitution"
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U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 39 Senate colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell Co-Introduces Bill to Block Trump's Executive Order Restricting Vote by Mail
ICYMI: Cantwell, colleagues warn USPS that complying with Trump's illegal mail-in voting executive order would be "a blatant violation of the Constitution"
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U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 39 Senate colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act(Absentee MVP Act) to block President Trump's illegal and unconstitutional executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots and protect the right to vote by mail.
" This Executive Order on vote-by-mail is one more unconstitutional effort by the President to grab control of our elections," said Sen. Cantwell. "Washingtonians cherish voting by mail because they know it is secure and convenient. This bill will help protect our state's mail-in voting system from attacks by this or any future administration."
The Absentee MVP Act would nullify Trump's unlawful March 31 executive order (EO) that aims to illegally re-write federal election rules or any similar order and prohibit the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and any other agency from spending funds to implement actions in the President's unconstitutional executive order. At its core, the EO would give the USPS sweeping new authority to decide which voters may cast ballots by mail by ordering the USPS to reject and refuse delivery of lawful ballots unless states comply with newly established federal eligibility lists. Those who do not comply with these restrictions would face serious consequences: election officials, mail carriers, and others who send or deliver ballots to voters the administration considers ineligible could face criminal charges, and states and local governments forfeit federal funding. To lay the groundwork for this override of existing state and federal voting laws, the order also tasks DHS with building state-by-state rosters of voting-age American citizens -drawn from federal data sources widely considered to be incomplete and unreliable.
In addition to nullifying the EO, the legislation bars any similar EO and provides additional limits on Trump Administration attempts to implement the actions in the EO, including by:
* Blocking the Department of Justice (DOJ) and DHS from sharing state voter lists
* Defunding the DOJ's efforts to compel production of state voter lists
* Enforcing the Privacy Act by barring federal agencies from improperly sharing voter data, both within the government and with outside groups
* Defunding any future Commerce Department efforts to enact partisan regulation of mail-in ballots
"The Constitution is clear. Elections belong to Congress and the states, not the President. You do not protect them by building federal lists out of flawed data," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Board Chairman.
"No president -Trump or any to come -should be able to change the rules of an election in order to keep power and disenfranchise eligible voters. This bill pushes back on the Trump Administration's illegal executive order that attempts to do just that. It is a strong, forward-looking step to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure voters decide elections, not politicians," said Cole Leiter, Executive Director, Americans Against Government Censorship.
"For generations, service members have relied on mail and absentee ballots to exercise the rights they serve to defend. This legislation protects that lifeline and makes clear that no administration should be able to undermine access to the ballot for political gain. Our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter can participate without fear or interference," said Janessa Goldbeck, Marine Corps Veteran and CEO, Vet Voice Foundation.
The legislation was led by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and is co-sponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Sen. Cantwell also joined 36 other senators in a letter to the USPS Board of Governors and Postmaster General David Steiner demanding that USPS follow the law and not implement President Trump's unlawful executive order.
"The Constitution provides no role for the President in regulating federal elections. And no statute delegates to the President any authority to regulate elections or voter eligibility either, including via USPS," the senators wrote. "Like the President, the Postal Service has no authority to regulate the manner of voting in federal elections, nor who is eligible to vote by mail in such elections. For over 250 years, the Postal Service has bound our country together with a constitutionally recognized mail service, and for 250 years, the American people have democratically elected their leaders. Any attempt to effectuate this order would violate the Constitution, break these bonds, and threaten the foundations of American democracy."
The Absentee MVP Act is available HERE.
Full text of the USPS letter is available HERE.
In the 2024 election, nearly 48 million people - almost a third of all voters - cast their ballots by mail. All states offer registered voters the opportunity to vote by mail in federal general elections and 12 states, including Washington - an early pioneer in expanding by-mail voting - conducted their 2024 elections entirely by mail. Washington state started vote-by-mail in 1983, adopted optional vote-by-mail in 2005, and enacted universal vote-by-mail in 2011.
Sen. Cantwell has been a stalwart defender of mail-in voting, and against overreach of the Trump administration into our elections:
* On April 1, after the executive order on mail-in voting was announced, she issued a statement in opposition.
* On March 18, she convened a group of current and former elected officials and representatives of nonpartisan voter advocacy groups for a virtual press conference on defending voter access. Video of that entire virtual press conference is HERE ; video of Sen. Cantwell's statement is HERE ; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell's statement is HERE.
* On March 15, she issued a snapshot report showing that the SAVE America Act - a voter suppression bill - would cost Washington state taxpayers more than $35 million this year alone.
* On Feb. 24, Sen. Cantwell invited Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs as her guest to President Trump's State of the Union address to draw attention to the issue.
* On Feb. 20, she convened local leaders in Seattle for a press conference urging Washingtonians to fight back against these proposed new burdens to voting.
* On Feb. 19, she gathered in Vancouver with the Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and local chapter heads of the League of Women Voters and the NAACP for a press conference on how this bill would disenfranchise voters.
* Also on Feb. 19, she released a snapshot report showing who in Washington would face undue hurdles to voting if the SAVE America Act were signed into law. The report shows that certain populations - including people who live in rural areas, women who changed their name after marriage, and people who recently moved - would face additional, cumbersome burdens to prove their citizenship.
* On Feb. 5, she appeared on MSNOW's Morning Joe to push back against the Trump administration's heightened efforts to interfere in state-run elections and collect private data on American voters. Video of Sen. Cantwell's appearance is HERE ; a transcript is HERE.
* On Jan. 29, Sen. Cantwell joined Senate colleagues in a letter to then Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop its unlawful pressure campaign to coerce dozens of states into providing the Trump Administration their voter rolls, which include voters' personally identifiable information. DOJ has sued 24 states - including Washington state - and the District of Columbia demanding the personal information of their voters.
* On Jan. 15, she joined Senate colleagues in a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner raising concerns with recent developments affecting postmark practices. Right before the holiday season, USPS changed its postmark practices, which could have significant impacts on voters nationwide and in Washington state - including rural voters, military and overseas voters, and many others who rely on rely on the mail to safely and securely cast their ballot.
* On Jan. 9, she joined 13 Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief before the Supreme Court in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a significant case pending before the Court that affects voting by mail. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatens the election administration practices of states like Washington that permit the counting of mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted when they are received within a certain number of days after Election Day. The Court heard oral arguments in the case last month and a ruling is pending.
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Original text here: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-co-introduces-bill-to-block-trumps-executive-order-restricting-vote-by-mail
Bynum Introduces Two Bills to Protect Food Assistance and Rural Healthcare
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
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Bynum Introduces Two Bills to Protect Food Assistance and Rural Healthcare
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Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced two bills with Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02). The Save SNAP Act would protect access to federal food assistance programs across the country, and the Rural Health Resilience Act would provide financial assistance to rural health centers. Both pieces of legislation ensure that Americans everywhere have what they need to thrive.
"Access to necessities like healthcare
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
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Bynum Introduces Two Bills to Protect Food Assistance and Rural Healthcare
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Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced two bills with Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02). The Save SNAP Act would protect access to federal food assistance programs across the country, and the Rural Health Resilience Act would provide financial assistance to rural health centers. Both pieces of legislation ensure that Americans everywhere have what they need to thrive.
"Access to necessities like healthcareor food shouldn't be dependent on where you live," said Rep. Bynum. " I am proud to introduce these two bills to make sure rural health centers get the support they need, and Americans across the country have access to the food assistance they rely on."
Under the Republicans' budget bill, states could eliminate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they cannot or do not meet the new cost-sharing requirements. Congresswoman Bynum's Save SNAP Act would ensure that federal SNAP dollars still go to the states in the event that states cannot meet the new requirements.
Congresswoman Bynum also introduced the Rural Health Resilience Act, which creates a low-interest loan program to help rural health centers avoid closures or reductions in essential services, preserving access to care in underserved areas.
Read the full bill text of the Save SNAP Act HERE.
Read the full bill text of the Rural Health Resilience Act HERE.
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Original text here: https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-introduces-two-bills-protect-food-assistance-and-rural-healthcare
Brownley Introduces Bill to Protect Marine Mammals from the Climate Crisis
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Julia Brownley, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Brownley Introduces Bill to Protect Marine Mammals from the Climate Crisis
Today, on Marine Mammal Rescue Day, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) reintroduced the Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act, legislation to strengthen protections for marine mammals and the coastal ecosystems they depend on from the growing threat of the climate crisis.
"Marine mammals are facing unprecedented threats," said Congresswoman Brownley. "The climate crisis is rapidly reshaping our oceans and putting
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Julia Brownley, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Brownley Introduces Bill to Protect Marine Mammals from the Climate Crisis
Today, on Marine Mammal Rescue Day, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) reintroduced the Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act, legislation to strengthen protections for marine mammals and the coastal ecosystems they depend on from the growing threat of the climate crisis.
"Marine mammals are facing unprecedented threats," said Congresswoman Brownley. "The climate crisis is rapidly reshaping our oceans and puttingwhales, sea otters, polar bears, manatees, and other species at risk.
"For decades, the Marine Mammal Protection Act has served as a cornerstone of our nation's commitment to protecting marine mammals. But the law has not kept pace with the accelerating impacts of climate change. My bill updates that framework by requiring federal agencies to directly address the growing risks climate change poses to marine mammals.
"From sea-level rise and ocean warming to habitat loss and declining biodiversity, the challenges facing our coastal ecosystems are intensifying. These are not distant threats. They are happening now, and they are driven by human activity.
"In coastal communities including Ventura County, we have seen firsthand how fragile these ecosystems have become. Protecting marine mammals means protecting the health of our oceans and the future of our planet.
"We have a responsibility to act. This legislation takes a critical step toward building climate-resilient ocean ecosystems and ensuring marine mammals can survive and thrive for generations to come."
Background
The Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop climate impact management plans for marine mammal species most vulnerable to climate change. These plans would identify and implement strategies to mitigate climate-driven risks and improve long-term species resilience.
Read the text of the bill here.
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Original text here: https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-introduces-bill-to-protect-marine-mammals-from-the-climate-crisis-3/
Brown, Colleagues Send Letter Calling on REI to "Get Back to the Table" for Negotiations with Workers
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, issued the following news release:
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Brown, Colleagues Send Letter Calling on REI to "Get Back to the Table" for Negotiations with Workers
Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) joined 35 of her House Democratic colleagues in a letter urging REI Co-op to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith, as required by federal law, to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement with unionized workers at stores across the country. The letter to REI was sent by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and co-led by Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10)
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, issued the following news release:
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Brown, Colleagues Send Letter Calling on REI to "Get Back to the Table" for Negotiations with Workers
Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) joined 35 of her House Democratic colleagues in a letter urging REI Co-op to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith, as required by federal law, to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement with unionized workers at stores across the country. The letter to REI was sent by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and co-led by Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10)and Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Norcross (NJ-01), Pocan (WI-02), Dingell (MI-06), and Horsford (NV-04).
Unionized workers at the REI Cleveland Store in Orange, Ohio, and other locations nationwide are seeking a fair collective bargaining agreement.
The letter follows a January letter from Brown and her colleagues urging REI to fulfill its obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and negotiate in good faith.
The members wrote, "We are concerned to hear from workers and constituents that more than a year later - and four years since the first union election - both parties appear no closer to reaching an agreement. The first contract offered by REI was voted down by 98.5% of participating voting union workers this past February, and the subsequent "last, best, and final offer" failed to bridge the divide between the parties, leading REI to declare an impasse."
They continued, "REI should refrain from engaging in union-busting tactics that are inconsistent with national policy encouraging collective bargaining and freedom of association under the NLRA."
To read the full letter, see below or click HERE.
Chris Carr
Chair, Board of Directors
REI
1700 45th Street East
Sumner, Washington 98390
We, the undersigned members of Congress, write to urge REI to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith, as required by federal law, to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement with unionized workers at stores located in SoHo, New York; Berkeley, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; Durham, North Carolina; Bellingham, Washington; Maple Grove, Minnesota; Castleton, Indiana; Santa Cruz, California; and Greensboro, North Carolina.
In our previous letter dated January 24, 2025, we urged REI to fulfill its obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to negotiate a contract in good faith. We are concerned to hear from workers and constituents that more than a year later - and four years since the first union election - both parties appear no closer to reaching an agreement. The first contract offered by REI was voted down by 98.5% of participating voting union workers this past February, and the subsequent "last, best, and final offer" failed to bridge the divide between the parties, leading REI to declare an impasse.
Impending cuts to worker benefits and starting hourly wages as a result of the impasse come at a We also continue to hear concerns regarding previous company restructuring replacing experienced full-time employees with part-time and temporary employees. Lastly, we are troubled by reports that REI members are no longer able to attend annual member meetings, ask questions of the board, or nominate directors for consideration by the broader membership. We reiterate that REI should refrain from engaging in union-busting tactics that are inconsistent with national policy encouraging collective bargaining and freedom of association under the NLRA.
Initial negotiations between both parties were productive and produced 25 tentative agreements. As such, we strongly encourage REI to reengage with these workers in good faith, in accordance with requirements under the NLRA, and reach a fair agreement that best serves all parties without further delay.
We thank you for your attention to this important issue.
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Original text here: https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/brown-colleagues-send-letter-calling-rei-get-back-table-negotiations-workers
Baldwin, Banks Introduce Bill to Enforce Build America, Buy America Standards
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release:
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Baldwin, Banks Introduce Bill to Enforce Build America, Buy America Standards
Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jim Banks (R-IN) are introducing a new bill to prioritize American workers and businesses by ensuring strong Buy America rules are properly enforced when rebuilding our nation's infrastructure.
Senator Baldwin worked to include the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to require federal agencies to strengthen Buy America policies and close
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release:
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Baldwin, Banks Introduce Bill to Enforce Build America, Buy America Standards
Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jim Banks (R-IN) are introducing a new bill to prioritize American workers and businesses by ensuring strong Buy America rules are properly enforced when rebuilding our nation's infrastructure.
Senator Baldwin worked to include the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to require federal agencies to strengthen Buy America policies and closeloopholes to ensure that federal investments support American businesses and workers. Years after passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, many departments and agencies have partially or fully avoided BABA implementation for certain infrastructure programs. As a result, American taxpayer money continues to be spent to buy foreign products, supporting jobs overseas.
To fix this, Baldwin and Banks are introducing the Build America, Buy America Compliance Act to finally ensure that the federal government is fully and consistently applying Buy America across federal infrastructure programs.
"To me, this is straightforward: When we use American tax dollars, we should be investing those dollars back into American workers, products, and businesses," said Senator Baldwin. "I am proud to work with my Republican colleague to create some real transparency and accountability to ensure that Buy America laws are followed and American workers and American companies get the business they deserve."
"Our bill is common sense legislation that puts American workers and businesses first. It makes sure your tax dollars support American manufacturers and not foreign adversaries like China," said Senator Banks.
Specifically, the Build America, Buy America Compliance Act would:
* Require the head of each Federal agency to submit an annual report to the Made in America Office and Congress detailing implementation of the BABA Act. The report must identify all Federal financial assistance programs for infrastructure and specify which have fully implemented the BABA Act and which have not.
* For programs that have fully implemented BABA Act, agencies must describe all actions taken to comply with the law and maintain existing Buy America laws, policies, or regulations that meet or exceed its requirements.
* For programs that have not fully implemented BABA Act, agencies must provide a timeline and steps they will take to achieve full compliance, including efforts to replace broad, general applicability waivers with targeted, project-specific waivers wherever possible.
* Require that all reports be published in the Federal Register to ensure transparency and accountability.
Senator Baldwin has long led the charge in advocating for stronger Buy America standards to support American businesses and workers. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Baldwin successfully worked to include the BABA Act and provisions of her Made in America Act. Last December, Senator Baldwin called on the Trump Administration to follow through on its pledge to prioritize American workers and businesses by enforcing stronger Buy America standards.
In January of 2025, Senator Baldwin pushed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee to commit to enforcing Buy America laws.
The bill is supported by the Alliance for American Manufacturing and the United Steelworkers (USW).
"The Build America, Buy America Act was enacted in 2021 to ensure taxpayers' dollars spent on infrastructure strengthen U.S. supply chains and support America's workers. But that promise only works if the law is fully and consistently implemented across federal programs. As we approach the five-year anniversary of this important law, AAM applauds Senators Baldwin and Banks for bringing transparency and accountability to the process by requiring agencies to clearly identify where Buy America requirements are being applied and where they are not," said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing.
Full text of the bill is available here (https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/download/baba-compliance-act-bill-text).
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Build America, Buy America Compliance Act
Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jim Banks (R-IN)
Enacted as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act established a domestic content preference for all federally funded infrastructure projects. This law is meant to ensure that, when American taxpayer dollars are used to build infrastructure, they support American-made products and American workers.
The Build America, Buy America Act requires federal agencies to strengthen Buy America policies for "deficient" programs--those that were not already covered by Buy America and those that are governed by outdated rules weakened by broad waivers or loopholes. Years after passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, many departments and agencies have partially or fully avoided BABA implementation for certain infrastructure programs. As a result, American taxpayer money continues to be spent to buy foreign products, supporting jobs overseas.
That is why Senators Baldwin and Banks introduced the Build America, Buy America Compliance Act, which would:
* Require the head of each Federal agency to submit an annual report to the Made in America Office and Congress detailing implementation of the BABA Act. The report must identify all Federal financial assistance programs for infrastructure and specify which have fully implemented the BABA Act and which have not.
- For programs that have fully implemented BABA, agencies must describe all actions taken to comply with the law and maintain existing Buy America laws, policies, or regulations that meet or exceed its requirements.
- For programs that have not fully implemented BABA, agencies must provide a timeline and steps they will take to achieve full compliance, including efforts to replace broad, general applicability waivers with targeted, project-specific waivers wherever possible.
* Require that all reports be published in the Federal Register to ensure transparency and accountability.
Supporting Organizations: Alliance for American Manufacturing and the United Steelworkers (USW)
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Original text here: https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-banks-introduce-bill-to-enforce-build-america-buy-america-standards
Amata Praises Students and Teachers at Matafao Elementary School
WASHINGTON, April 27 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Praises Students and Teachers at Matafao Elementary School
Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is praising the 7 th Grade class of students at Matafao Elementary School and their teachers after her visit to the school last week.Group Photo at Matafao Elementary
"I was so impressed by these students, and their excellent questions about government, and I know they are a result of the good work of their teachers," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. "My message to them is to keep
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WASHINGTON, April 27 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Praises Students and Teachers at Matafao Elementary School
Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is praising the 7 th Grade class of students at Matafao Elementary School and their teachers after her visit to the school last week.Group Photo at Matafao Elementary
"I was so impressed by these students, and their excellent questions about government, and I know they are a result of the good work of their teachers," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. "My message to them is to keeplearning and keep asking those good questions. I'm always so optimistic about our future whenever I speak with our young people. This was a visit to one grade within one school, but I know they reflect the good work of our islands' schools and teachers. Congratulations to these students and teachers, and it was a pleasure to have this insight into your school day. Thank you to the educators for taking time away from their regular schedule, and I'm so glad I was able to visit before I was called back to Washington."
Students asked questions about topics including the Bill of Rights, the U.S Constitution, the three branches of government, Congress, and bills becoming laws. The educators include Principal Atalina Coffin, Vice Principal Antonina Godinet, and teachers Ms. Salevu Lole-Allen, Mr. Nikolao Alo, and Ms. Tiresa Lauama.
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Original text here: https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-praises-students-and-teachers-matafao-elementary-school
All Rise Chief Counsel Tate Testifies Before Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee released the following testimony by Army Major Gen. Clyde J. 'Butch' Tate II (ret.), chief counsel of All Rise, from an April 15, 2026, hearing entitled "Programs for Justice-Involved Veterans":
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Chair Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal, and distinguished members of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, it is an honor to testify today.
It is also an honor to be here with such a distinguished panel of veterans, innovators, and thought leaders in our justice system, and with a veteran who has witnessed our justice system at
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WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee released the following testimony by Army Major Gen. Clyde J. 'Butch' Tate II (ret.), chief counsel of All Rise, from an April 15, 2026, hearing entitled "Programs for Justice-Involved Veterans":
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Chair Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal, and distinguished members of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, it is an honor to testify today.
It is also an honor to be here with such a distinguished panel of veterans, innovators, and thought leaders in our justice system, and with a veteran who has witnessed our justice system atits best.
As an Army veteran and the son of a 36-year, combat-wounded Army infantryman, no issue is more important to me than serving our veterans who have fought so bravely for our freedom.
And no issue is more pressing than ensuring that justice-involved veterans get the services they need to recover, heal, and reintegrate into their community. Along with the efforts to put a veterans treatment court within reach of every veteran in need, today, I believe we have a clearer path forward to improve outcomes for our veterans because of the Congressional support for the National Center on Veterans Justice. Thank you.
When I served as the Army's Deputy Judge Advocate General, I witnessed countless examples of the unparalleled honor, sacrifice, and resilience of our military members. I also came to understand the many ways in which our service members can have difficulty transitioning to civilian life, and how, despite a myriad of local, state, and federal benefits and support, some fall through the cracks and become involved in the justice system. Too many veterans are impacted by substance use, mental health, trauma, and other medical conditions closely associated with their prior military service, and are increasingly at risk for justice involvement.
In 2014, as my retirement after 31 years of service drew closer, I found myself searching for some way to remain involved in supporting our military and veteran communities. Around this time, I was invited by the nonprofit All Rise to attend a training on veterans treatment courts (VTCs). I knew that VTCs were serving justice-involved veterans--those at the greatest risk of reoffending and with the highest need for services--and that VTCs were based on the success of the drug court model. I was not aware of the impact this training would have on my life. The training closed with the swearing-in of over 50 volunteer veterans who had been trained that week to serve as mentors in VTCs. Pride and dedication to the mission of recovery were evident on their faces as they pledged to serve veterans in need. The experience left a profound impact.
For the past nine years, I have been honored to have a small hand in these efforts as chief counsel for All Rise.
Our mission at All Rise is to reduce crime and make communities safer and healthier by addressing the intersection of substance use, mental health, and crime at every stage of the justice system, serving civilians and veterans alike. We advance proven, accountability-driven responses that strengthen community safety, target the underlying factors that fuel repeat offending, and support broader public safety priorities. We ground our work in research, collaborate with practitioners in the field, and listen to the people, both civilians and veterans, who have direct experience with the justice system.
With the authorization of the Veterans Treatment Court Program in 2016, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs, has provided indispensable leadership, clear policy guidance, and targeted funding, enabling courts to establish and strengthen VTCs. BJA's sustained investment in training and capacity building has been critical to equipping all VTC teams, with or without a grant award, with the skills and resources needed to improve outcomes for justice-involved veterans. Because of BJA's commitment to excellence, all VTCs have benefited from federal investment.
The impact of BJA's work has been broad and measurable: improved identification of veterans at arrest and intake, expanded access to court interventions for veterans, more timely linkage to behavioral health and social services, and stronger coordination among courts, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), community partners and providers, and local systems. BJA's support for training and peer-to-peer learning has professionalized VTC teams--judges, probation officers, prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment providers, and VA specialists--raising fidelity to best practices and promoting consistent, accountable program models that are replicable and sustainable. In short, BJA's leadership has been instrumental in transforming how the justice system serves veterans, strengthening public safety while honoring our obligations to those who have served.
For the past 16 years, and with BJA support, All Rise's training division for veterans, Justice for Vets has led training and services for VTCs through strengthening the knowledge, skills, and abilities of all those involved, from the judge to the probation officer, from the treatment provider to the VA Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) specialist. Much like our military "schoolhouses" ensure the highest levels of operational proficiency for our service members, Justice for Vets' "mobile schoolhouse" ensures the same for those serving justice-involved veterans. Independent evaluations show that courts receiving pre-implementation training are twice as cost-effective and achieve up to a 50% greater reduction in recidivism compared with courts that do not receive training.
Additionally, since its establishment in 2009, the VJO Program has been an indispensable partner in VTCs. VJO Specialists at every VA medical center conduct proactive outreach to justiceinvolved veterans in jails, courts, probation and parole settings, and in the community to identify veterans in need and immediately connect them to VA health care, mental health and substance use treatment, housing assistance, and other benefits. By building and sustaining formal partnerships with prosecutors, defenders, judges, corrections, and community providers, the VJO Program ensures that veterans can access evidence-based services at the earliest possible point, reducing recidivism, improving health outcomes, and supporting long-term reintegration.
By integrating evidence-based approaches with military culture, Justice for Vets has played a significant role in helping jurisdictions reduce recidivism, support lasting recovery, and promote long-term success for those who have served.
Whom VTCs Serve
VTCs produce the greatest benefit for veterans with the most severe challenges. Research shows that VTCs are most effective when they serve veterans who are both high criminogenic risk (greater likelihood of reoffending) and high clinical need (substantial behavioral health or medical needs). Risk and need are determined through validated screening and assessment, a standard practice in VTCs and a foundational component of any system seeking to place veterans in alternative programming. These assessments enable efficient identification of eligible veterans, clarify clinical and criminogenic needs, and inform case supervision, treatment planning, and case trajectory. Critically, these assessments are essential for identifying individuals at heightened risk for overdose or death by suicide and expeditiously referring them to service providers, thus allowing courts and agencies to respond swiftly and save lives.
A veteran assessed as high risk is more likely to experience poor outcomes under standard community supervision or in traditional treatment settings, often because of antisocial behavior, antisocial thinking, and association with antisocial peers. These veterans also typically have high clinical need: multiple medical conditions, severe substance use or mental health disorders, and significant psychosocial challenges such as homelessness, unemployment, social isolation, or family estrangement. Tailored, intensive interventions within the VTC framework are therefore essential to address this confluence of risk and need and to improve public safety and veteran recovery.
Why VTCs Are Successful
These intensive programs pair close supervision and accountability with robust, evidence-based treatment. When VTCs adhere to evidence-based practices, serve the appropriate population, and ensure that team members receive continuous education and training, these courts have been proven to reduce recidivism, enhance individual outcomes, and save taxpayer dollars. They also improve housing stability, employment, and financial security, all strong indicators for lasting rehabilitation and reintegration. Their success lies in their collaborative approach: judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, and law enforcement working in concert with VA and community treatment providers, as well as local social and veteran service organizations.
Participant progress is closely monitored, and interventions are adjusted in real time based on the individual's response to modification strategies directed by the court, service, or supervision, and treatment adjustments recommended by treatment clinicians.
Additionally, the inclusion of trained volunteer veteran mentors provides essential peer support and camaraderie, reinforcing each participant's sense of identity and connection. These veteran mentors provide social connectedness well beyond program completion. As role models, they positively influence an individual's sense of purpose, social responsibility, and commitment to a law-abiding lifestyle.
Today, there are approximately 600 court programs specifically designed for veterans who are at high risk of reoffending and who have high clinical and social needs.
The success of VTCs has catalyzed nationwide innovation and partnership. Developments range from the VA's VJO Program to improved arrest and booking procedures that more reliably identify veterans at intake, expanded community-based family services, and local crisis intervention teams. These advances have also strengthened collaboration with policy and research organizations. For example, All Rise has partnered with the Council on Criminal Justice. I participated in the Council's work and am honored to have been a part of the Council's Veterans Justice Commission, which has done vital work educating policymakers and
practitioners about the challenges veterans face in the justice system. All Rise was proud to support the Commission's efforts to provide a blueprint for policy work that properly supports VTCs and, in 2024, endorsed the Veterans Justice Act: A Model Policy Framework.
Next Steps
VTCs are not appropriate for every veteran, as risk of reoffense and service needs vary, but they are a critical component of a community's continuum of care for justice-involved veterans. We are committed to partnering with state and local stakeholders to build and sustain coordinated, multidisciplinary systems of accountability at every stage of justice involvement and across the continuum of care.
Historically, VTCs have most often intervened at initial detainment, arraignment, or the pretrial phase. However, veterans can be effectively intercepted at multiple points: in the community through local law enforcement, at reentry from jail or prison, and within community corrections.
The structured, evidence-informed approach that All Rise's Justice for Vets has implemented in jurisdictions nationwide can and should be replicated at these additional intercept points to improve outcomes for veterans and public safety.
As we support communities in building a comprehensive continuum of care for justice-involved veterans, we must address a range of nationwide needs: a central, national hub to develop and disseminate practice guidelines; targeted training, follow-up coaching, and hands-on implementation support for jurisdictions; and robust accountability through readiness assessments, performance metrics, and outcome tracking.
A successful national hub should be anchored by strategic partnerships with institutions of higher learning, including law school veterans legal clinics, military-affiliated student centers, and active local VTCs, to create an integrated ecosystem for rigorous research, practical training, student engagement, and real-world implementation. Such partnerships will expand workforce capacity, strengthen evidence generation, and accelerate replication of proven practices.
The broader impact of a national hub would be substantial: standardizing quality across programs, improving veteran access to behavioral health and social supports, reducing recidivism, generating cost savings for criminal justice and health systems, and enhancing public safety while promoting recovery and stability for veterans. Establishing this multidisciplinary, evidence-driven center is a strategic, high-impact investment we cannot afford to delay.
We ask much of those in uniform, and they ask little in return. All too often, they are the last to ask for help. Veterans treatment courts are not only more effective and efficient forms of justice, but they also help us meet our moral obligation to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and treatment they have earned.
Thank you, Chair Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal, and committee members, for your time and your commitment to our nation's veterans, including those who are justice-involved. We appreciate your work to help us ensure that no veteran is left behind.
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Original text here: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/73D932E5-EC48-4241-A9E3-6F8E73C2941A
