Featured Stories
Senate Indian Affairs Committee Sets Aug. 5 Business Meeting
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- The Senate Indian Affairs Committee issued the following information for a business meeting at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2026, at 628 Dirksen Senate Office Building:
Agenda:
* S. 239, Crow Revenue Act (Daines)
* S. 1055, Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act (Rounds)
* S. 1514, Quinault Nation Land Transfer Act (Cantwell)
* S. 3219, Albuquerque Indian School Act (Heinrich)
* H.R. 2400, Pit River Land Transfer Act (LaMalfa)
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Original text here: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/business-meeting-to-consider-s-239-s-1055-s-1514-s-3219-h-r-2400/
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Sets Aug. 6 Hearing on Protecting Americans From Global Scam Operations
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued the following information for a hearing entitled "Protecting Americans From Global Scam Operations: Assessing The U.S. Response" at 11 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2026, at 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building:
Witnesses
1. The Honorable Michael DeSombre, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State, Washington, D.C.
2. Mr. David Bedard, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State, Washington, D.C.
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Original text here: https://www.foreign.senate.gov/hearings/protecting-americans-from-global-scam-operations-assessing-the-us-response
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued the following information for a hearing entitled "Protecting Americans From Global Scam Operations: Assessing The U.S. Response" at 11 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2026, at 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building:
Witnesses
1. The Honorable Michael DeSombre, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State, Washington, D.C.
2. Mr. David Bedard, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State, Washington, D.C.
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Original text here: https://www.foreign.senate.gov/hearings/protecting-americans-from-global-scam-operations-assessing-the-us-response
Peters Secures More Than $27 Million in Federal Funding for Roadway Safety Improvements in Metro Detroit
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Peters Secures More Than $27 Million in Federal Funding for Roadway Safety Improvements in Metro Detroit
DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured more than $27 million in federal funding for roadway safety improvements in Metro Detroit. Peters secured $25 million for the Gratiot SMART SPACES Implementation Project, which will support roadway improvements along the Gratiot Avenue corridor to prevent crashes, create safer pedestrian crossings, and enable more reliable and efficient bus service.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Peters Secures More Than $27 Million in Federal Funding for Roadway Safety Improvements in Metro Detroit
DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured more than $27 million in federal funding for roadway safety improvements in Metro Detroit. Peters secured $25 million for the Gratiot SMART SPACES Implementation Project, which will support roadway improvements along the Gratiot Avenue corridor to prevent crashes, create safer pedestrian crossings, and enable more reliable and efficient bus service.Peters also secured $2.2 million for the City of Sterling Heights' North Van Dyke Avenue corridor improvement project. The funding will make roadway improvements along Van Dyke Avenue that will support roadway safety and redesign the corridor as a hub for residential and commercial activity.
"Having safe, reliable roadways is critical to public safety and local economic growth," said Senator Peters. "I was proud to secure this funding to help improve these vital corridors in Metro Detroit to better support the residents and businesses who rely on them each and every day."
This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Peters secured funding for the BUILD program though the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and advocated for both Macomb County's and Sterling Heights' funding applications.
DOT's BUILD program awards federal funding on a competitive basis for projects considered to have significant local or regional impact. BUILD funding can support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or intermodal transportation projects. Peters helped create the BUILD program as part of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and has continued working to fund BUILD through annual government funding legislation.
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Original text here: https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-more-than-27-million-in-federal-funding-for-roadway-safety-improvements-in-metro-detroit
Peters Secures More Than $12.5 Million in Federal Funding for Ingham County Roadway Safety Projects
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Peters Secures More Than $12.5 Million in Federal Funding for Ingham County Roadway Safety Projects
LANSING, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured more than $12.5 million in federal funding for two roadway safety projects in Ingham County. This includes $11.3 million to support infrastructure improvements along Okemos Road in Meridian Township, including installation of left turn lanes, replacement of non-motorized pathways, and replacement of exiting traffic signals. Peters also secured $1.2 million
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Peters Secures More Than $12.5 Million in Federal Funding for Ingham County Roadway Safety Projects
LANSING, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured more than $12.5 million in federal funding for two roadway safety projects in Ingham County. This includes $11.3 million to support infrastructure improvements along Okemos Road in Meridian Township, including installation of left turn lanes, replacement of non-motorized pathways, and replacement of exiting traffic signals. Peters also secured $1.2 millionfor the City of Lansing's ongoing "Safe Streets Lansing" project, an infrastructure initiative aiming to improve roadway safety for drivers and pedestrians and reduce car-related fatalities and serious injuries. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Peters secured funding for the BUILD program though the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and advocated for Lansing's funding application.
"Having safe, reliable roadways is critical to public safety and local economic growth," said Senator Peters. "These investments will improve safety for drivers and pedestrians and make the Capitol Region an even better place to live, work, and raise a family."
DOT's BUILD program awards federal funding on a competitive basis for projects considered to have significant local or regional impact. BUILD funding can support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or intermodal transportation projects. Peters helped create the BUILD program as part of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and has continued working to fund BUILD through annual government funding legislation.
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Original text here: https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-secures-more-than-125-million-in-federal-funding-for-ingham-county-roadway-safety-projects
ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Sunday Night in America on Fox News Channel
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Sunday Night in America on Fox News Channel
Last night, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy on Fox News Channel to discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran, efforts to dismantle Hamas, and next steps towards peace.
Last night, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy on Fox News Channel to discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran, efforts to dismantle Hamas, and next steps towards peace.
Key Excerpts
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Sunday Night in America on Fox News Channel
Last night, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy on Fox News Channel to discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran, efforts to dismantle Hamas, and next steps towards peace.
Last night, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy on Fox News Channel to discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran, efforts to dismantle Hamas, and next steps towards peace.
Key Excerptson Iran:
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "President Trump wants a peaceful resolution; I think the whole country wants a peaceful resolution. He did use the word 'rapidly' make an agreement. If the Iranians don't come to the table and rapidly make an agreement to end their nuclear program and reopen the Strait, then President Trump is going to bomb the hell out of them again. They know what's coming. President Trump has been transparent with them every single step of the way, and he's kept his word. I think all of us want this war to come to an end, but at the same time President Trump's legacy will be to ensure that Iran never has a nuclear weapon and he's intent on making sure that's the case."
"You're dealing with different factions, you're dealing with a radicalized military, you're dealing with a governing class in Iran who I think really does want to make a deal because they have been brought to their knees, they know what the American military is capable of, and I don't think they have seen the worst of it...President Trump is ratcheting up the pressure, and he's willing and able to do it again, but he's taking another pause to give them a chance to come to the table. Reopening the Strait is something we see immediate results from. We know when they keep up their end of the deal and reopen the Strait what that looks like, and we also know the repercussions when they don't."
Key Excerpts on Hamas Disarmament:
"What President Trump did in the first term with the Abraham Accords and negotiating peace in the Middle East and what he is trying to do in this term in ending Iran's nuclear program, he's trying to negotiate peace between Hamas and Israel, it's unbelievable.... But if Hamas will lay down their weapons and disarm themselves and President Trump can negotiate peace between Hamas and Israel, it would be another example of the incredible negotiating power and the leadership of President Trump. Israel is hopeful, but let's face it, Hamas is a deadly terrorist group, a proxy of Iran that is funded by the Iranians. Let's hope something good will come of this. I trust President Trump, and I believe he's capable of negotiating something here that is historic."
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Original text here: https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-sunday-night-in-america-on-fox-news-channel/
ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street on Fox Business
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street on Fox Business
This weekend, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street on Fox Business Network to discuss the conflict in Iran, Middle East diplomacy, AI policy, and Senate priorities.
Key Excerpts on Iran:
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "Nobody should be surprised that China is aligned with Iran; they have supported them militarily, economically, they are the number one customer of oil coming out of Iran. I am not
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street on Fox Business
This weekend, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street on Fox Business Network to discuss the conflict in Iran, Middle East diplomacy, AI policy, and Senate priorities.
Key Excerpts on Iran:
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "Nobody should be surprised that China is aligned with Iran; they have supported them militarily, economically, they are the number one customer of oil coming out of Iran. I am notsurprised at all by these reports what is surprising is that they would openly defy President Trump at time when Chairman Xi is trying to negotiate a deal with President Trump moving forward that he would assist our number one enemy right now with the War in Iran that China would come to bat with military weapons."
"This is why President Trump was so right and wise this week to slow down the Russia sanctions bill that Sen. Lindsey Graham fought so hard for before he died. But President Trump said to add sanctions on Iran and add secondary sanctions on those who assist Iran into the sanction bill, but President Trump is exactly right. This is something we have to do to give President Trump more power and authority to crack down on China for their malign influence and assistance to Iranian Military Operations against the United States of America."
Key Excerpts on AI:
"One way to think about this, Maria, is in Jurassic Park the Raptors in the cage get out of the cage, and then the disaster happens after that...One thing that I've worked on in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act, the defense bill, is that Sen. Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, and I have bipartisan language that that would require these AI companies that have contracts and work with the Department of War to report insider threats. It is critical, and these two incidents this week show exactly why...These AI companies have a duty for national security purposes to allow for more government oversight and to report those insider threats."
Key Excerpts on Senate Priorities:
"We shouldn't take a break until we get our job done. I'm a new Senator; I'm frustrated, like the rest of the country, seeing the inaction of Congress on so many important issues. President Trump is right about that when it comes to the SAVE America Act, which is fundamental and critical to protecting our elections, our democracy, and our American way of life. We should absolutely pass it."
"It also includes funding for our troops and our military and to replenish our munitions stockpiles so that President Trump can keep up the pressure on Iran and bring them back to the table to prevent them from ever having a nuclear weapon. And to support our men and women in uniform, which is my top priority."
"Chuck Schumer and the Democrats would love nothing more than to shut the government down right before we go into October, right before the midterm elections and that would be a disaster for our country, we can't let them get away with it. Let's pass the reconciliation bill, the SAVE America Act, support our military, and then pass the CR and avoid a government shutdown before we get to election day."
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Original text here: https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-maria-bartiromos-wall-street-on-fox-business/
Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Ensure Large Users of Electricity Pay for Grid Upgrades, Protect Customers From Costs of Data Center Expansion
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Ensure Large Users of Electricity Pay for Grid Upgrades, Protect Customers From Costs of Data Center Expansion
The GRID Savings Act financially requires large electricity user to pay for their grid upgrades and incentivizes investment in transmission facilities
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Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Ensure Large Users of Electricity Pay for Grid Upgrades, Protect Customers From Costs of Data Center Expansion
The GRID Savings Act financially requires large electricity user to pay for their grid upgrades and incentivizes investment in transmission facilities
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Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee,introduced the GRID Savings Act, legislation that aims to ensure that the biggest new electricity users play by the same basic rules that have applied to new power plants for two decades, while increasing transparency, protecting grid reliability, and making sure that families and businesses aren't left paying for infrastructure that only serves new, high-demand customers.
"If a company is driving the need for expensive new facilities, that company should pay for it -- not families and small businesses. That's the basic principle behind my GRID Savings Act," said Heinrich. "Electricity demand is growing, driven in large part by hyperscalers, AI data centers, and other large new electricity users. These companies have promised to protect customers from paying for their energy usage, and my GRID Savings Act gives teeth to that commitment by requiring large load customers to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid, while incentivizing hyperscalers to fund transmission-level upgrades. We need to make sure America can meet growing electricity demand without forcing working families and small businesses to fully subsidize the infrastructure required by the nation's biggest energy users."
The GRID Savings Act makes sure the biggest new electricity users play by the same basic rules that have applied to new power plants for two decades.
Today, when a company wants to connect a new power plant to the electric grid, it has to go through a detailed review process, pay for the upgrades needed to connect safely and reliably, and put up financial commitments to show it's serious about moving forward. The GRID Savings Act applies the same basic approach to very large new electricity users. It requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish clear rules so these companies understand what upgrades are needed, what they'll be responsible for paying, and how those costs will be determined. The legislation also increases transparency, protects grid reliability, and helps ensure that families and businesses aren't left paying for infrastructure that only serves new, high-demand customers.
The legislation also allows for these large-use companies to voluntarily fund certain transmission facilities and receive transmission service in exchange for funding backbone transmission upgrades.
Heinrich's Leadership on Transmission and Grid Infrastructure:
Heinrich has long been one of the Senate's leading advocates for expanding and modernizing America's electric grid. He has consistently pushed to build more high-voltage transmission, reform the permitting process for major transmission projects, strengthen interregional planning, reduce interconnection delays, and ensure the grid can reliably deliver cheap, American-made energy while supporting economic growth. For the last decade and a half, Heinrich has been a steadfast champion of SunZia, one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in the Western Hemisphere, shepherding the project through lengthy permitting processes for nearly two decades. The project, based in New Mexico, is now fully operational and is delivering up to 3,650 megawatts (MW) of energy across the Southwest.
Last week, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee oversight hearing of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Heinrich asked FERC Chairwoman Laura Swett and fellow Commissioners Lindsay See, Judy Chang, David LaCerte, and David Rosner, about how Congress can support incentivizing advanced transmission technologies and the potential to automate generator interconnection processes.
Earlier this month, Heinrich introduced the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, which would require grid operators to establish a fast-track process for connecting new energy projects to the electric grid, reducing delays and easing congestion. The introduction of the bill launched Heinrich's Grid for Growth initiative, a policy roadmap to modernize the nation's electrical grid and bring new, affordable energy online.
In March, Heinrich organized a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing examining the state of America's electric grid and solutions to lower electricity costs. During the hearing, Heinrich highlighted the need to expand interregional transmission, reduce transmission congestion, accelerate interconnection of new generation, and modernize the grid to meet growing electricity demand driven by manufacturing, data centers, and electrification. He called for investing in a "Grid for Growth" to strengthen reliability while lowering costs for consumers.
In July 2024, Heinrich voted to advance the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The legislation incorporated several provisions Heinrich had championed, including his Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act, provisions based on his FASTER Act and his bipartisan Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act, which puts geothermal projects on an equal footing with oil and gas projects on public land and will help accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide.
In May 2024, Heinrich welcomed the Biden administration's Federal-State Initiative to Bolster America's Power Grid, which brought together 21 states, including New Mexico, to meet electricity demand while delivering reliable, affordable, and resilient power. The initiative supports deployment of grid-enhancing technologies and better coordination between federal and state governments on transmission planning.
In April 2024, Heinrich welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to New Mexico to highlight how investments from recent landmark legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act created a clean energy manufacturing renaissance in communities like Albuquerque and Belen, N.M.
In June 2023, Heinrich introduced the Facilitating America's Siting of Transmission and Electric Reliability (FASTER) Act, landmark legislation to modernize the permitting process for major interregional transmission projects. The legislation would designate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead permitting agency for qualifying transmission projects, establish a predictable permitting timeline, strengthen coordination among federal agencies, encourage community benefit agreements, and invest in local communities hosting transmission infrastructure.
Also in 2023, Heinrich introduced the Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act, legislation to improve planning and cost allocation for multi-state transmission projects. The bill would give FERC greater authority to ensure the costs of new transmission are allocated fairly among states that benefit from new infrastructure, helping remove one of the largest barriers to building interregional transmission.
In 2023, Heinrich delivered a keynote address at the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Policy Forum, where he laid out his vision for expanding America's transmission network and announced his legislative priorities to improve how the nation plans, permits, and pays for transmission infrastructure. Heinrich argued that transmission must become "the central piece" of America's clean energy strategy and emphasized that future projects cannot spend more than a decade navigating permitting processes like SunZia did.
In 2023, Heinrich also published an op-ed, "The Backbone of Our Clean Energy Future," arguing that expanding transmission is essential to improving grid reliability, lowering energy costs, strengthening resilience during extreme weather, and fully utilizing America's domestic energy resources. In the piece, Heinrich called for faster permitting, new federal financing tools, and investment incentives for nationally significant transmission projects.
A one-page factsheet of the bill is here (https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/7A1B5274-0079-434D-9679-798F76408D82).
A section-by-section summary of the bill is here (https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/94985978-3994-4CCE-85C2-50E7D33516F2).
The full text of the bill is here (https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/989662CC-3B2C-4C7D-962F-793E028EC7AB).
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Original text here: https://www.energy.senate.gov/2026/8/heinrich-introduces-legislation-to-ensure-large-users-of-electricity-pay-for-grid-upgrades-protect-customers-from-costs-of-data-center-expansion
Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Present Company
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, chair of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, posted the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Present Company
RED OAK, Iowa - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Present Company of Audubon County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.
"Present Company has been the gift that keeps on giving to Audubon for more than
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, chair of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, posted the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Present Company
RED OAK, Iowa - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Present Company of Audubon County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.
"Present Company has been the gift that keeps on giving to Audubon for more thanthree decades," said Chair Ernst. "From helping revitalize Main Street to supporting countless local events and charities, Telia Carter and her team continue to present the very best of Iowa's entrepreneurial spirit. Their commitment to exceptional service, unique products, and hometown values proves that investing in your community always comes back around."
Founded in 1990 by Nancy Oleson, Present Company opened its doors in downtown Audubon as a home decor boutique. After more than three decades of serving southwest Iowa, ownership transitioned in 2022 to Telia Carter. Under her leadership, Present Company has continued its tradition of personalized customer service while adapting its inventory to meet the needs of customers from Audubon and the surrounding communities. Today, Present Company remains a downtown Audubon staple, offering a carefully curated selection of gifts, home decor, apparel, jewelry, and specialty items. The boutique has earned a reputation for unique merchandise, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the character of small-town Iowa.
Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.
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Original text here: https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=DC2A07C4-49A8-4E00-A260-A325E7551792
Durbin Statement On Latest Developments In Todd Blanche's Embattled Attorney General Nomination
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on Aug. 3, 2026:
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Durbin Statement On Latest Developments In Todd Blanche's Embattled Attorney General Nomination
In a statement to the Congressional record, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, provided his latest assessment of the state of Todd Blanche's nomination to be Attorney General.
"Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a key vote on Todd Blanche's nomination
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on Aug. 3, 2026:
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Durbin Statement On Latest Developments In Todd Blanche's Embattled Attorney General Nomination
In a statement to the Congressional record, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, provided his latest assessment of the state of Todd Blanche's nomination to be Attorney General.
"Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a key vote on Todd Blanche's nominationto be Attorney General... The position demands that the Attorney General be someone committed to the rule of law and the Constitution more than any one person or political party. This principle is exactly why Todd Blanche is the wrong person for this role,"began Durbin.
Durbin then discussed key controversies regarding Mr. Blanche's nomination, including his direct involvement in establishing the January 6th slush fund and brokering an immunity deal for the Trump family from IRS prosecution.
"Pardoning January 6 rioters and cop-beaters wasn't enough for President Trump... So, two months ago, Blanche colluded with President Trump's private lawyers to create a nearly $2 billion slush fund to benefit the January 6 mob that attacked the Capitol. When I met with Blanche earlier this month, he told me he recognized this decision for what it was: a 'mistake.' But when I asked him under oath, Blanche insisted that he never made this statement, displaying either a short memory or a dangerous willingness to lie for President Trump. When pressed during his hearing, Blanche even refused to directly condemn those who assaulted law enforcement officers on January 6th and would not commit to permanently ending this slush fund," said Durbin.
"Blanche has done more than just support the President's allies--he has also used his position to directly enrich the President himself. Earlier this year, Blanche personally signed a document to provide President Trump, his family, and his businesses with immunity for any past federal tax law violations. And last year he dismantled DOJ's crypto enforcement team and shut down ongoing investigations of the crypto industry--an industry that has made President Trump more than one billion dollars since returning to the White House. Blanche himself held crypto assets worth more than $150,000 at the time--and when he finally did divest himself of these assets, he did so by transferring them to his adult children and grandchild. It is hard to believe how Blanche could possibly be an honest broker as Attorney General--especially when he refuses to even admit that the Department of Justice should decide who to prosecute without political interference from the President," said Durbin of the Trump IRS immunity deal.
Durbin concluded with a direct appeal to Americans of all political stripes to oppose Mr. Blanche's nomination.
"During his nomination hearing, one of my Republican colleagues asked Blanche if he and President Trump are friends. Blanche responded 'I'm his lawyer.' That Freudian slip sums up why he has been nominated... Todd Blanche's DOJ has become one where the President and his allies are protected while ordinary Americans suffer and his perceived enemies are baselessly prosecuted. The position of Attorney General is too important to be held by someone unwilling to say no to the President, which is exactly why I will be voting no on his nomination," concluded Durbin.
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Original text here: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/dem/releases/durbin-statement-on-latest-developments-in-todd-blanches-embattled-attorney-general-nomination
After Truth API Goes Live, Warner Introduces Bill to Ban Social Media Companies From Selling Advance Access to Government Employees' Accounts
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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After Truth API Goes Live, Warner Introduces Bill to Ban Social Media Companies from Selling Advance Access to Government Employees' Accounts
Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a senior member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, introduced the No Preferential Release of Federal Information for Transactions (NO PROFIT) Act, legislation that would make it illegal for social media companies to sell prioritized access to government employees' accounts that communicate
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 -- Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2026:
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After Truth API Goes Live, Warner Introduces Bill to Ban Social Media Companies from Selling Advance Access to Government Employees' Accounts
Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a senior member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, introduced the No Preferential Release of Federal Information for Transactions (NO PROFIT) Act, legislation that would make it illegal for social media companies to sell prioritized access to government employees' accounts that communicatematerial information. Furthermore, this legislation would make it illegal for a person to knowingly trade in securities, commodities, swaps, or prediction market contracts if the person is doing so on the basis of material information obtained through access to a prioritized account. This bill is a direct result of Truth API, Truth Social's subscription service for advance access to the president's posts, going live over the weekend.
"The president's company selling prioritized access to the president's market-moving posts is corrupt and erodes public confidence," said Sen. Warner. "Americans should have free and equal access to public statements made by U.S. government officials. My bill would make sure social media companies can't sell prioritized access to government employees' accounts and that someone can't knowingly trade with information obtained through access to those accounts. Early access to government information should not be sold to whoever will pay the price."
Last month, Sen. Warner sent a letter to representatives of the financial services industry explaining his concerns with the Truth API announcement and urged them to make clear that the member firms will have no part in this arrangement.
Full text of the bill can be found here (https://www.warner.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/EHF26696.pdf). The one pager and section-by-section can be found here (https://www.warner.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/NO-PROFIT-Act-1-pager-and-SBS.v2.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-truth-api-goes-live-warner-introduces-bill-to-ban-social-media-companies-from-selling-advance-access-to-government-employees-accounts/
