U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Chairmen Joyce and Palmer Send Letter to GAO Requesting Information on Alternatives to Critical Minerals Supply Chain
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. John Joyce, R-Pennsylvania, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Chairmen Joyce and Palmer Send Letter to GAO Requesting Information on Alternatives to Critical Minerals Supply Chain
Yesterday, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, sent a letter to Gene Dodaro, the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. John Joyce, R-Pennsylvania, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Chairmen Joyce and Palmer Send Letter to GAO Requesting Information on Alternatives to Critical Minerals Supply Chain
Yesterday, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, sent a letter to Gene Dodaro, the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office(GAO), requesting an assessment of available or emerging technologies and materials that could be used to supplement critical minerals in semiconductors.
"Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for technologies used in many sectors of the economy, including energy, transportation, national defense, health care, and consumer electronics," said Chairmen Joyce and Palmer. "These minerals are vulnerable to supply-chain disruptions for several reasons, including U.S. reliance on foreign sources, as well as the rapid growth in demand for critical minerals in the U.S. and abroad."
CLICK HERE (https://d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/11_13_2025_Letter_to_GAO_f0c7a7e14e.pdf) to read the full letter.
The letter asks the GAO to examine:
1. The status of domestic technologies and supplemental materials, such as critical minerals found in mine waste, tailings, or reclaimed from end-of-life batteries and electronic waste, that can serve as substitutes for foreign-sourced critical minerals from non-allied nations needed for semiconductors and energy grid or power electronics, including impacts on material and product performance.
2. Key technological challenges to the development or adoption of these domestic supplemental and materials to advance the diversification of U.S. critical mineral sources.
BACKGROUND:
In May, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on ways to enhance our critical mineral supply chains. Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans are committed to strengthening our critical mineral supply chains and finding solutions to reduce our reliance on foreign sources, particularly when it comes to foreign adversaries like China. The Trump Administration has also worked hard to bolster these supply chains. Critical minerals are essential to American technologies and industries, and finding innovative domestic solutions that can contribute to our independence from non-allied nations is essential as we work to onshore American innovation and strengthen our national security.
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Original text here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chairmen-joyce-and-palmer-send-letter-to-gao-requesting-information-on-alternatives-to-critical-minerals-supply-chain-1
Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis Announce CMT Subcommittee Hearing on Time, Travel, and Tourism
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025:
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Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis Announce CMT Subcommittee Hearing on Time, Travel, and Tourism
Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, announced a subcommittee hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism.
"Travel and tourism are key drivers
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025:
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Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis Announce CMT Subcommittee Hearing on Time, Travel, and Tourism
Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, announced a subcommittee hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism.
"Travel and tourism are key driversof both our local and national economies, and it's essential that Congress explore the best ways to strengthen and capitalize on these opportunities for our country," said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis. "We also will examine the various perspectives surrounding Daylight Saving Time, a practice that touches nearly every American and warrants careful consideration by Congress. This hearing will provide an important opportunity to assess its real-world impacts and determine the best path forward."
Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism.
WHAT: Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on time, travel, and tourism.
DATE: Thursday, November 20, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building
This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov.
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Original text here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chairmen-guthrie-and-bilirakis-announce-cmt-subcommittee-hearing-on-time-travel-and-tourism
Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills to Streamline Broadband Permitting
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills to Streamline Broadband Permitting
Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced a subcommittee markup of 28 bills to streamline broadband permitting.
WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills to Streamline Broadband Permitting
Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced a subcommittee markup of 28 bills to streamline broadband permitting.
WHAT: Subcommittee on Communications and Technologymarkup of 28 bills.
DATE: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
TIME: 10:15 AM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Items to be considered:
* H.R. 1343, Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act (Reps. Pfluger and Soto)
* H.R. 1588, Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act (Reps. Miller-Meeks and Dingell)
* H.R. 1665, DIGITAL Applications Act (Reps. Cammack and Matsui)
* H.R. 1681, Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Act (Rep. Evans and Craig)
* H.R. 1731, Standard FEES Act (Reps. Palmer and Ryan)
* H.R. ____, the Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act (Reps. Joyce, Landsman, and
Peters)
* H.R. 2289, Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act (Rep. Carter)
* H.R. 278, BROADBAND Leadership Act (Rep. Griffith)
* H.R. 339, Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act (Rep. Crenshaw)
* H.R. 1541, Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act (Rep. Rulli)
* H.R. 1617, Wireless Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act of 2025 (Rep. Langworthy)
* H.R. 1655, Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act (Rep. Bentz)
* H.R. 1836, GRANTED Act of 2025 (Rep. Obernolte)
* H.R. 1975, BEAD FEE Act of 2025 (Rep. Allen)
* H.R. 2298, Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025 (Rep. Fulcher)
* H.R. 2817, Coastal Broadband Deployment Act (Rep. Bilirakis)
* H.R. 3960, Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2025 (Rep. Dunn)
* H.R. 4211, Brownfields Broadband Deployment Act (Rep. Walberg)
* H.R. 4927, CABLE Competition Act (Rep. Houchin)
* H.R. 5147, Winning the International Race for Economic Leadership and Expanding Service to Support Leadership Act or WIRELESS Leadership Act (Rep. Latta)
* H.R. 5170, Cable Access for Broadband and Local Economic Leadership Act or the CABLE Leadership Act (Rep. Balderson)
* H.R. 5264, Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment for Broadband Infrastructure or the "SPEED for Broadband Infrastructure Act (Rep. Goldman)
* H.R. 5266, 5G Using Previously Granted Rulings that Accelerate Deployment Everywhere Act or the 5G UPGRADE Act (Rep. Harshbarger)
* H.R. 5273, Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act (Rep. Joyce)
* H.R. 5290, Cable Transparency Act (Rep. Weber)
* H.R. 5311, Connecting and Building Lines for Expedited Expansion Act or the CABLE Expansion Act (Rep. Fedorchak)
* H.R. 5318, Reducing Antiquated Permitting for Infrastructure Deployment Act (Rep. Hudson)
* H.R. 5358, TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act (Rep. Fry)
This notice is at the discretion of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please ocntact Noah Jackson at Noah.Jackson@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov.
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Original text here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chairmen-guthrie-and-hudson-announce-c-and-t-subcommittee-markup-of-28-bills-to-streamline-broadband-permitting
Chairman Walberg Announces Member Day Hearing on Nov. 21
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued the following news release:
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Chairman Walberg Announces Member Day Hearing
Friday, at 9:00 a.m., the Committee on Education and Workforce, chaired by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), will hold a Member Day hearing.
What: Full Committee Member Day hearing
When: 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025
Where: 2261 Rayburn House Office Building
Press: The hearing is open to the press and will be live-streamed on the Committee's YouTube page.
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Original text here: https://edworkforce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=412782
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued the following news release:
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Chairman Walberg Announces Member Day Hearing
Friday, at 9:00 a.m., the Committee on Education and Workforce, chaired by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), will hold a Member Day hearing.
What: Full Committee Member Day hearing
When: 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025
Where: 2261 Rayburn House Office Building
Press: The hearing is open to the press and will be live-streamed on the Committee's YouTube page.
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Original text here: https://edworkforce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=412782
Chairman Smith Praises President Trump and First Lady for Supporting Foster Youth
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release:
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Chairman Smith Praises President Trump and First Lady for Supporting Foster Youth
After joining President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House for the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement:
"Through this executive order, President Trump and the First Lady are helping foster youth have better futures.
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release:
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Chairman Smith Praises President Trump and First Lady for Supporting Foster Youth
After joining President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House for the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement:
"Through this executive order, President Trump and the First Lady are helping foster youth have better futures.Before I came to Congress, I practiced family law and saw firsthand the impacts of the child welfare system on children and families. At the Committee on Ways and Means, one of our top priorities has been to elevate the voices of regular Americans, including children in foster care, and finding ways to work together to improve the child welfare system. This latest action by the Trump Administration will help inform our work on the Committee to advance solutions to improve our foster youth programs.
"Last Congress, our Committee passed a historic reauthorization of child welfare programs under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, enacting the most significant reforms to the program since 2008.
"We have spent this year looking at another program in our jurisdiction, the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, with the same goal of enacting needed bipartisan reforms. This program exclusively serves some of our nation's most vulnerable youth, those aging out of foster care without connections to family or supportive adults. We are holding a second hearing on the program next week to learn from industry leaders about how technology can be used to improve outcomes.
"We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Trump Administration to do everything we can to maximize support for youth in foster care."
Background:
Nearly 16,000 youth age out of foster care each year without permanent connections to family, and face significant challenges in adulthood.
* Only half finish high school, and only three percent obtain a college degree.
* One in five will become homeless after aging out of the system.
* Only half will have gainful employment by the age of 24.
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Original text here: https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/11/14/chairman-smith-praises-president-trump-and-first-lady-for-supporting-foster-youth/
Cantwell, Warren, Sanders, Peters Call for Administration to Release Critical Economic Data and Stop Keeping Public, Fed in the Dark About U.S. Economy
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell, Warren, Sanders, Peters Call for Administration to Release Critical Economic Data and Stop Keeping Public, Fed in the Dark About U.S. Economy
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell, Warren, Sanders, Peters Call for Administration to Release Critical Economic Data and Stop Keeping Public, Fed in the Dark About U.S. Economy
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of theSenate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, called on the Trump Administration to release as much economic data as possible before the Fed's meeting in early December and resume normally scheduled data releases as soon as possible.
"In recent weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to release September jobs data," wrote the Senators. "Then, on November 12, 2025, the White House announced it would not release October's jobs data or CPI numbers - a decision made while most agency staff with data expertise remained on furlough, unable to evaluate existing datasets or identify gaps.... The Administration has blamed these delays and cancellations on the government shutdown."
The Senators questioned the Administration's use of the government shutdown as a justification for delaying and cancelling data releases: "Instead, it appears that the Trump Administration may be intentionally restricting the release of data. According to former Trump-appointed BLS Commissioner Bill Beach, for example, the September jobs data was 'likely written in final draft' before the government shutdown. Yet the Administration refused to release this data."
They also described the importance of this federal economic data to the U.S. economy: "This data is critical for American businesses and policymakers, including the Federal Reserve (Fed), which will rely on this data as it considers interest rate cuts on December 9 and 10, 2025. Any failure by the Trump Administration to release delayed data could have disastrous consequences for our economy as Americans struggle to afford groceries, housing, and daily living expenses."
The Senators continued: "The Administration must release as much economic data as possible before the Fed's meeting and resume normally scheduled data releases as soon as possible. Furthermore, it must clarify to the public which data were and were not collected during the shutdown, as well as provide a detailed explanation for any decision made to discontinue collection, halt processing, or cancel completely any data that was delayed due to the government shutdown."
The Senators concluded by requesting answers to their questions on the Administration's plans to address the economic data delays no later than December 1, 2025.
The full text of the letter is here (https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/7533DA7D-F115-4C42-B21E-5F7B40DDB550).
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2025/11/cantwell-warren-sanders-peters-call-for-administration-to-release-critical-economic-data-and-stop-keeping-public-fed-in-the-dark-about-u-s-economy
Border Brief: FY25 Southwest Border Apprehensions Hit Lowest Level in Half a Century as Law Enforcement Faces Threats
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-New York, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, issued the following news on Nov. 13, 2025:
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BORDER BRIEF: FY25 Southwest Border Apprehensions Hit Lowest Level in Half a Century as Law Enforcement Faces Threats
Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security released its latest "Border Brief" factsheet, detailing the Trump administration's continued success in securing our borders and the homeland in September and throughout the entirety of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. In September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-New York, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, issued the following news on Nov. 13, 2025:
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BORDER BRIEF: FY25 Southwest Border Apprehensions Hit Lowest Level in Half a Century as Law Enforcement Faces Threats
Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security released its latest "Border Brief" factsheet, detailing the Trump administration's continued success in securing our borders and the homeland in September and throughout the entirety of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. In September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reportedonly 8,386 U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) apprehensions between ports of entry at the Southwest border--an 84 percent decrease compared to one year prior under the Biden-Harris administration. Additionally, in September 2025, nationwide border encounters (144,666) dropped more than 82 percent compared to last year.
"Southwest border apprehensions are at the lowest level in half a century, and criminal cartels are running out of ways to line their pockets at our expense. Americans can thank President Trump's proven border security policies for these results, from surging resources to the Southwest border to ending catch-and-release," Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) said. "House Republicans made significant investments in the border barrier system, cutting-edge technology, and growing the CBP workforce, but those resources are only part of the picture. We must continue to build on these border security successes, ensure they last long into the future, and prevent abuse of our immigration system--like we saw under the Biden administration."
"For the last five months, we have continued to see the border numbers drop to historic lows. We are enabling our men and women of the CBP to do their jobs and keep our border secured," Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) said. "I'm thankful for the work President Trump has done to secure the border, and we will continue our work in Congress to ensure that we never have a border crisis like the one under the Biden-Harris Administration again."
The Trump administration's strong enforcement of the law at our nation's borders and House Republicans' historic reconciliation investments are disincentivizing human and drug smuggling across our borders. In FY 2025, which includes data from October 2024 through September 2025, USBP apprehensions between ports of entry at the Southwest border (237,538) hit the lowest level since 1970. For comparison, there were 1.6 million illegal crossings in FY 2021, President Biden's first fiscal year as president.
After four years of the Biden-Harris administration's catch-and-release policies, September marked the fifth month in a row where zero illegal aliens were released by USBP into our communities. To help agents maintain control in the field, DHS awarded contracts to build 230 miles of border barrier, including technology to modernize the barrier system, thanks to Homeland Republicans' investments in the July reconciliation package.
Meanwhile, federal law enforcement faced increased threats in September. On September 24, a gunman fired indiscriminately on a Dallas, Texas, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility and tragically took the life of two individuals in custody. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE personnel are facing an 8,000 percent increase in death threats.
Now that our land borders are secure, criminal cartels are turning to our maritime borders. According to the Washington Examiner, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) seized a "record-high $3.8 billion worth of cocaine" in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific from smugglers in FY2025. The USCG announced $150 million in new investments in technology to mitigate malicious drones, which criminals often use for drug smuggling operations, after Homeland Republicans provided these resources.
Key Facts:
* FY2025 closed on a strong note, with 79 percent fewer Southwest border encounters than FY2024. U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) apprehensions between ports of entry at the Southwest border in FY25 (237,538) hit the lowest level since 1970.
* In September, CBP nationwide border encounters decreased 82 percent compared to September 2024.
* In September, Southwest border encounters decreased 88.6 percent (101,790 vs 11,647) compared to last September.
* USBP apprehensions between ports of entry at the Southwest border in September (8,386) decreased 84.4 percent compared to September 2024 (53,858).
* Through Operation Pacific Viper, the U.S. Coast Guard has interdicted more than 100,000 pounds of cocaine, averaging about 1,600 lbs. of cocaine interdicted daily since August.
* CBP encounters of inadmissible aliens at the Northern border dropped nearly 74 percent in September 2025 (4,436) compared to September 2024 (17,127).
* In September, for the fifth month in a row, zero inadmissible aliens were released by Border Patrol into American communities.
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Original text here: https://homeland.house.gov/2025/11/13/border-brief-fy25-southwest-border-apprehensions-hit-lowest-level-in-half-a-century-as-law-enforcement-faces-threats/
Blumenthal Raises Alarm Over Increasing Wait Times for Connecticut Veterans Seeking Mental Health Care
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news:
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Blumenthal Raises Alarm Over Increasing Wait Times for Connecticut Veterans Seeking Mental Health Care
Senator demands answers and swift corrective action from VA Secretary Collins on unacceptable wait times for mental health care appointments
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Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is demanding answers from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins on data showing Connecticut veterans
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news:
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Blumenthal Raises Alarm Over Increasing Wait Times for Connecticut Veterans Seeking Mental Health Care
Senator demands answers and swift corrective action from VA Secretary Collins on unacceptable wait times for mental health care appointments
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Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is demanding answers from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins on data showing Connecticut veteransare experiencing longer wait times for critical mental health care at VA clinics across the state.
"Veterans seeking care for mental health conditions--many of whom have urgent and acute needs--deserve timely access to treatment with the highly qualified providers at VA who have unique knowledge and experience working with veterans and coordinating the wide variety of related services available exclusively through VA. The reports of significant delays are deeply troubling and raise urgent questions about the Department's management of mental health access," wrote Blumenthal in a letter to VA Secretary Collins.
Blumenthal continued pressing Collins: "My staff has heard reports from veterans and their families who have been forced to wait weeks or even months for an initial mental health appointment. Such delays are not only inconsistent with VA's stated access-to-care standards but also pose serious risks to the health and safety of those who served our nation." After speaking with Connecticut veterans and advocates who raised concerns about long wait times and collecting data directly from VA's website, the Senate Veterans Affairs' Committee Minority staff have found serious delays in care. It is especially critical for veterans to be able to access this care at VA facilities, which have providers with unique knowledge and experience working with veterans and coordinating the wide variety of related services available exclusively through VA.
The Senator cited evidence, based on VA's own wait-time data (available HERE), signaling unacceptable wait times for Connecticut veterans seeking mental health care at the following facilities:
* Orange VA Clinic--average wait time greater than 100 days for a new patient mental health appointment since May 2025;
* Willimantic VA Clinic--average wait times over 100 days for a new patient mental health appointment in September and October; and
* McGuirk, Winsted, Stamford, Waterbury and Danbury VA Clinics--times well above 50 days for a new patient mental health appointment.
The most recent data available shows the current wait time for new mental health care patients at the Orange VA Clinic, which specializes in providing mental health care, is 179 days--nearly six months.
Blumenthal underscored how these increasing wait times may point to a larger concerning trend for veterans seeking care across America: "These examples in Connecticut are not isolated and are likely indicative of a broader systemic issue that must be addressed immediately. We can see this from the drastic increase in wait times for a new patient mental health appointment since the beginning of the year. Extreme examples include the Orange VA Clinic, which had a wait time of 43 days on January 29, the Willimantic VA Clinic, which had a wait time of 41 days on February 18, the Winsted VA Clinic, which had a wait time of 19 days on March 23, and the Stamford VA Clinic, which had a wait time of 10 days on April 14. These are the earliest recorded wait times the VA website produced for each of these clinics, all under 50 days and well below 100 days."
The Senator's full letter can be found HERE and below.
Dear Secretary Collins,
I write to express my serious concern regarding the increasing and unacceptable wait times for new patient mental health appointments across Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities in Connecticut. Veterans seeking care for mental health conditions--many of whom are in acute distress--deserve timely access to treatment. The reports of significant delays are deeply troubling and raise urgent questions about the Department's management of mental health access.
My staff has heard reports from veterans and their families who have been forced to wait weeks or even months for an initial mental health appointment. Such delays are not only inconsistent with VA's stated access-to-care standards but also pose serious risks to the health and safety of those who served our nation.
The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Minority staff have been tracking patient wait times once a week since January 2025 from VA's Access to Care website. I am particularly alarmed by the following findings based on VA's own wait-time data at the following facilities:
* Orange VA Clinic--only 3 weeks since May 2025 had a wait time under 100 days for a new patient mental health appointment
* Willimantic VA Clinic- several weeks in September and October had wait times over 100 days for a new patient mental health appointment
* McGuirk, Winsted, Stamford, Waterbury and Danbury VA Clinics--all consistently have wait times well above 50 days for a new patient mental health appointment
These examples in Connecticut are not isolated and are likely indicative of a broader systemic issue that must be addressed immediately. We can see this from the drastic increase in wait times for a new patient mental health appointment since the beginning of the year. Extreme examples include the Orange VA Clinic, which had a wait time of 43 days on January 29, the Willimantic VA Clinic, which had a wait time of 41 days on February 18, the Winsted VA Clinic, which had a wait time of 19 days on March 23, and the Stamford VA Clinic, which had a wait time of 10 days on April 14. These are the earliest recorded wait times the VA website produced for each of these clinics, all under 50 days and well below 100 days. The substantial rise in new patient mental health appointment wait times across Connecticut during the past year raises serious concerns.
Accordingly, I request that the Department provide the following information within 30 days of receipt of this letter:
1. A detailed explanation of the factors contributing to increased wait times for new mental health appointments, including staffing shortages, resource allocation, or scheduling inefficiencies.
2. The Department's current plan of action to restore timely access, including short-term mitigation steps and long-term solutions to both new and existing patient mental health appointments.
3. Data on current national average wait times for new and existing mental health appointments across all VA medical centers and outpatient clinics.
4. An update on efforts to expand telehealth to ensure that veterans are not left without timely treatment.
The Department's mission is to provide care and support worthy of the sacrifice of America's veterans. Persistent barriers to mental health care are unacceptable and demand swift corrective action. Congress will continue to exercise oversight to ensure that VA fulfills this critical responsibility.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
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Original text here: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2025/11/at-hearing
