U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
BREAKING: Warnock Secures Additional $192 Million in Outstanding Helene Payments for Georgia
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Sen. Raphael G. Warnock, D-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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BREAKING: Warnock Secures Additional $192 Million in Outstanding Helene Payments for Georgia
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Latest round of reimbursements comes after months of pressure from Senator Reverend Warnock and as Georgia communities were preparing for lawsuits from contractors seeking payment for work done in the wake of Hurricane Helene
News comes after December 2025 announcement that Senator Warnock secured $300 million in outstanding Helene payments for Georgia
In September 2025, Senator Warnock released
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Sen. Raphael G. Warnock, D-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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BREAKING: Warnock Secures Additional $192 Million in Outstanding Helene Payments for Georgia
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Latest round of reimbursements comes after months of pressure from Senator Reverend Warnock and as Georgia communities were preparing for lawsuits from contractors seeking payment for work done in the wake of Hurricane Helene
News comes after December 2025 announcement that Senator Warnock secured $300 million in outstanding Helene payments for Georgia
In September 2025, Senator Warnock releaseda report finding the Trump Administration was shortchanging Georgians half a billion dollars in disaster relief aid
Following the Senator's September report, the Senator found the number increased to $600 million
Senator Warnock will continue fighting until the administration delivers Georgia every penny they were promised
Senator Warnock: "I am thrilled to announce I have secured an additional $192 million in federal funding owed to Georgia communities recovering from Hurricane Helene"
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) announced he secured an additional $192 million in federal funding for outstanding payments owed to Georgia counties and entities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The money was released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following months of pressure from Senator Warnock to get Georgia communities, particularly in rural parts of the state, the money they were promised for recovery efforts following Helene's destruction. The latest round of reimbursements comes after a December 2025 announcement that Senator Warnock secured $300 million in outstanding Helene payments for Georgia.
"I am thrilled to announce I have secured an additional $192 million in federal funding owed to Georgia communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. Hurricanes and natural disasters are not political; they do not care if you voted red or blue, and Georgia counties and cities went right to work recovering from Helene's destruction with the understanding the federal government would fulfill its promises and pay their share," said Senator Warnock. "It should not have gotten to this point, and there is still more work to be done. I will continue fighting until Georgia's communities, particularly in rural Georgia, get every cent they are owed."
In December 2025, Senator Warnock released a statement after new evidence emerged showing that the Trump Administration owed $600 million in Hurricane Helene recovery aid to Georgians. That same month, Senator Warnock announced he secured $314 million in federal funding for outstanding payments owed to Georgia counties and entities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. In September 2025, the Senator released a report finding that nearly $500 million in promised federal funding for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts remained unpaid. The funding, part of a disaster recovery bill championed by Senator Warnock in 2024, is meant to reimburse local communities for funds spent on recovery. Despite bipartisan Congressional support for the immediate delivery of disaster recovery funds, the distribution of aid has been stifled by bureaucratic red tape and chaos in the Trump Administration.
A list of Georgia counties and entities receiving federal funding can be found below (this is not a comprehensive list of entities receiving funding):
Locality/Entity Funding Amount
Georgia Department of Transportation $78,292,950.89
Appling County $1,071,758.62
Augusta-Richmond County $4,037,671.15
Burke County $6,588,740.61
Clinch County $2,599,287.01
Coffee County $4,700,298.24
Columbia County $16,638,536.90
Emanuel County $11,305,015.82
Irwin County $2,247,042.63
Jefferson County $10,494,968.61
Lowndes County $3,364,859.16
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Original text here: https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/breaking-warnock-secures-additional-192-million-in-outstanding-helene-payments-for-georgia/
Blumenthal, Murray, Schumer & Committee Democrats Introduce CRA to Overturn Trump Administration Rule Ending Life-Saving Abortion Care for Veterans
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Blumenthal, Murray, Schumer & Committee Democrats Introduce CRA to Overturn Trump Administration Rule Ending Life-Saving Abortion Care for Veterans
Senators roll out Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Trump VA's new policy ending abortion care and counseling for veterans
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Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Democratic Leader
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Blumenthal, Murray, Schumer & Committee Democrats Introduce CRA to Overturn Trump Administration Rule Ending Life-Saving Abortion Care for Veterans
Senators roll out Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Trump VA's new policy ending abortion care and counseling for veterans
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Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Democratic LeaderChuck Schumer (D-NY) and Committee Democrats today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Trump Administration's new rule ending abortion counseling entirely and abortion care for veterans who have been raped or whose pregnancy is threatening their health.
"The Trump VA's new policy's primary purpose is to prevent women who are victims of rape or incest or whose health is at risk from receiving abortion care. We cannot let the Trump Administration deprive women veterans of essential health care so they can score cheap political points. Our Congressional Review Act resolution aims to overturn this cruel, misguided action. If my Republican colleagues really believe in protecting women veterans who have been raped or whose health is at risk, they can prove it-- simply support this resolution," said Ranking Member Blumenthal.
"Trump's VA abortion ban is a profound betrayal of women who put their lives on the line for our country--ripping away access to abortion care even when a woman is raped or her pregnancy endangers her health. If the Trump administration thought they could quietly implement this extreme abortion ban and get away with it, they thought wrong--we won't stop being loud about this. Trump's policy not only rips away VA's already-limited ability to provide abortion care, but it gags VA providers from even talking to their veteran patients about their health care options. It does not get more extreme than this. I hope every Senator will join me in fighting to overturn Trump's abortion ban at VA and restore essential health care for our veterans," said Senator Murray.
"The Trump administration seems hellbent on abandoning our veterans by withholding lifesaving health care. But Senate Democrats will not let this happen without a fight," said Leader Schumer. "The rule by the Trump administration is just another cruel step toward their clear, extreme goal of a national abortion ban, an idea that is way out of step with the American people. This CRA gives senators the opportunity to support the health and safety of the servicemembers who sacrifice to keep our country safe," said Leader Schumer.
The joint resolution is cosponsored by Committee members U.S. Senators Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
The CRA is also endorsed by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Vet Voice Foundation, Minority Veterans of America, Common Defense and twelve other organizations dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of our nation's veterans, including Modern Military Association of America, Service Women's Action Network, Reproductive Freedom for All, National Partnership for Women & Families, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Rights, Guttmacher Institute, National Council of Jewish Women, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Power to Decide.
"The VA exists to serve all who served, including women in need of abortion counseling in extenuating circumstance. With nearly 70% of our members overwhelmingly supporting women veterans' access to care post-Dobbs, IAVA applauds the CRA action taken in both the House and Senate, which would ensure that timely and necessary care is continued," said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA.
"After all that veterans have sacrificed to defend our freedoms, it is appalling to strip them of the right to make their own health care decisions. We applaud every lawmaker who signed onto this resolution condemning the rule to ban abortion care and counseling at the VA, including in cases of rape or incest, and we urge both chambers to act swiftly to overturn this extreme policy that puts veterans' health and safety at risk," said the group of twelve organizations.
"Veterans were promised care, dignity, and respect when they raised their right hand to serve. This decision breaks that promise. Stripping veterans of access to abortion care and even basic medical counseling is cruel, medically dangerous, and fundamentally dishonest. Veterans, especially women veterans, face higher rates of complicated and high-risk pregnancies because of their service. Denying them full, evidence-based reproductive healthcare is not about protecting life, it is about imposing ideology at the expense of veterans' health and autonomy. The VA exists to serve veterans, not to make their most personal medical decisions for them," said Janessa Goldbeck, CEO, Vet Voice Foundation.
"With the stroke of a pen, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) increased the risk of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity by reducing veterans' access to basic, necessary, and life-saving reproductive health care. The removal of abortion care and counseling places veterans at further risk, particularly women and gender-diverse veterans who have already sacrificed their health in service to this country. These actions are not merely administrative or ideological policy shifts; they are dangerous barriers to essential medical care. To uphold its mission to serve those who have served, the VA must withdraw this policy. Abortion care and counseling are not simply about choice, they are matters of health, human rights, and survival. Preserving access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care is essential to honoring the service, sacrifices, and dignity of women and minority veterans," said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America.
"The Department of Veterans Affairs banning reproductive healthcare is a profound betrayal of those who have sacrificed for our country. By eliminating comprehensive healthcare access, that veterans have earned, this ban disregards the overwhelming public opposition demonstrated by thousands of comments, many made by Common Defense members. It's essential that Congress overturn this ban and prioritize the health and well-being of our veterans. Our service members deserve better than this callous erosion of their rights," said Naveed Shah, Political Director of Common Defense.
This CRA follows a new final rule filed by the Trump Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to end VA's ability to provide these services to veterans. A CRA resolution is an oversight tool Congress can use to overturn final rules issues by federal agencies with a simple majority vote. House Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) also introduced a companion CRA resolution in the House to overturn this rule.
In September 2022, VA began to offer abortion counseling to all pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries, and abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life or health endangerment of the veteran or CHAMPVA beneficiary. This was in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, which created urgent risks to the lives and health of pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries in states that banned or otherwise severely restricted access to abortion.
Prior to the publication of the final rule, the Trump Department of Justice issued a memo banning this abortion care and counseling at VA, and the Trump VA issued its own internal memo implementing this new policy immediately. This follows the Trump VA's announcement in August of its intent to issue this change in a proposed rule.
More than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, and more than 112,000 women of reproductive age are enrolled in CHAMPVA. More than half of these women live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions.
The full text of the CRA resolution can be found HERE (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/FE366B45-2A67-4848-8BA2-7111EF670E47).
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Original text here: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2026/1/blumenthal-murray-schumer-committee-democrats-introduce-cra-to-overturn-trump-administration-rule-ending-life-saving-abortion-care-for-veterans
Barr Announces $1 Million in Federal Funds to Modernize Lancaster Wastewater System
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Andy Barr, R-Kentucky, issued the following news release:
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Barr Announces $1 Million in Federal Funds to Modernize Lancaster Wastewater System
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Lancaster, KY- U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) announced $1,000,000 in federal funding to support wastewater system improvements for the City of Lancaster. Barr secured the funding through the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. He voted for the appropriations package earlier this month and President Trump recently signed the funding bill
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Andy Barr, R-Kentucky, issued the following news release:
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Barr Announces $1 Million in Federal Funds to Modernize Lancaster Wastewater System
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Lancaster, KY- U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) announced $1,000,000 in federal funding to support wastewater system improvements for the City of Lancaster. Barr secured the funding through the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. He voted for the appropriations package earlier this month and President Trump recently signed the funding billinto law.
This project will modernize Lancaster's wastewater collection system, alleviate overloading in critical portions of the network, and take failing pump stations offline. These improvements will prepare the city for significant economic growth on the northwest side of town, ensuring the city's infrastructure can support new development while maintaining safe and reliable wastewater services.
"Thanks to President Trump signing this funding into law, Lancaster is getting the investment it needs to modernize its wastewater system and support future growth," said Congressman Barr. "I fought to secure this funding because infrastructure matters, jobs matter, and Kentucky communities deserve results."
City officials have emphasized the importance of the project to address aging infrastructure and plan for future development. Once completed, the upgrades will reduce system failures, improve service reliability, and support the city's long-term growth and economic development goals.
"Congressman Barr didn't just support this project -he made it a priority," said Judge/Executive Chris Elleman. "Because of his leadership, Lancaster is receiving the funding needed to fix aging infrastructure, take failing pump stations offline, and prepare our community for future development."
"We are extremely thankful to Congressman Barr for his leadership and support in securing this funding," said Lancaster Mayor Michael Gaffney. "This project will modernize our wastewater system, take failing pump stations offline, and position our city for future growth, benefiting residents and businesses alike."
"This is great news for Lancaster, and I appreciate the work Congressman Barr put into making this happen. Water and wastewater infrastructure is a major priority for our area and this funding will go a long way towards keeping sewer and wastewater services safe and reliable," said Kentucky Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade (R-KY-80).
"Congressman Barr's unwavering commitment to his constituents is exemplified by his advocacy for infrastructure projects that drive economic development, promote health and safety, and improve the overall quality of life for all communities he represents, both urban and rural," said Jeff VanHook, Executive Director of the RGL Regional Industrial Authority.
"Lancaster-Garrard County expresses its sincere appreciation for Congressman Barr's efforts in securing these funds," said Anthony Roy, Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority. "Congressman Barr's support for Mayor Gaffney's forward-thinking approach to infrastructure improvements is a testament to his dedication to a better future for Lancaster/Garrard County. Over the past several months, the IDA Board, Mayor Gaffney, and Judge Elleman have engaged in discussions regarding the necessity of replacing the two oldest pumping stations with new ones and replacing approximately 10,000 feet of old clay sewer line with new PVC. This will enable the county to prepare for future growth opportunities once the bypass is complete and sewer services are expanded into northern Garrard County. We are fortunate to have the support of Congressman Barr aligned with Judge Elleman, Mayor Gaffney, and the members of the IDA board, whose vision for expanding and improving the wastewater system will provide a great opportunity to attract more businesses to Garrard County in the future."
The project reflects a commitment to long-term infrastructure improvement, economic development, and public health, ensuring Lancaster is prepared for growth while maintaining reliable services for all residents.
Permalink: https://barr.house.gov/2026/1/barr-announces-1-million-in-federal-funds-to-modernize-lancaster-wastewater-system
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Original text here: https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2E95CFFA-513B-4542-9C4B-2F3EC1F4B5FB
Antifa Extremist Who Threatened To Kill Congresswoman Mace Now Charged With Attempted Murder
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, issued the following news release:
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Antifa Extremist Who Threatened To Kill Congresswoman Mace Now Charged With Attempted Murder
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 28, 2026) -Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) today issued the following statement after learning a transgender named "Rem Heathen" whose real name is Michael Richard Fadich, the Antifa violent extremist who posted a death threat against Rep. Mace in May 2025, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in Oregon:
In May 2025, Fadich posted a graphic on Instagram depicting
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, issued the following news release:
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Antifa Extremist Who Threatened To Kill Congresswoman Mace Now Charged With Attempted Murder
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 28, 2026) -Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) today issued the following statement after learning a transgender named "Rem Heathen" whose real name is Michael Richard Fadich, the Antifa violent extremist who posted a death threat against Rep. Mace in May 2025, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in Oregon:
In May 2025, Fadich posted a graphic on Instagram depictinga gun pointed directly at Rep. Mace's face. The message was unmistakable: he wanted her dead.
The Office of Rep. Mace reported this threat. Prosecutors did nothing. Now, eight months later, he is charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting someone in Portland just last month. A man is in the hospital because the system failed to stop a violent extremist when it had the chance.
Now Fadich, because of Oregon law, sits in a women's prison.
"This blood is on the hands of every prosecutor who looked at this threat and looked away," said Rep. Mace. "I pray for the safety of the women he's housed with."
Fadich didn't hide who he was. His social media was filled with Antifa / Trantifa propaganda, celebrations of violence, and explicit threats. He posed with Antifa flags. He owned an AR-15 and multiple handguns. Every warning sign was there. Nothing was done.
When prosecutors ignore death threats, they don't just fail one victim, they create more.
Rep. Mace receives on average over 1,300 threats per year. Rep. Mace added:
"When prosecutors do their job, lives are saved. For example, Samuel Cain sits in a jail cell today and has been denied bond three times after threatening to kill me. But when they fail, like with Fadich, innocent people pay the price.
"I am asking the Department of Justice and FBI to immediately investigate why federal prosecutors failed to act on one more death threat against me and to determine whether Fadich should face federal charges for threatening a Member of Congress.
"To every prosecutor who declined to act: you had the chance to stop this man, and you didn't. And someone took a bullet for it.
"To the violent extremists: your threats won't silence us."
BACKGROUND
The Threat Against Congresswoman Mace:
In May 2025, Fadich posted an image on his Instagram account ("that.heathen") depicting Congresswoman Mace's official portrait with a first-person graphic of a gun pointed at her face. The threat was reported to law enforcement, but prosecutors declined to prosecute.
See the post below:The Attempted Murder:
On December 21, 2025, Fadich and an accomplice allegedly shot a man in Portland, Oregon. The victim was found with gunshot wounds in a parking lot and transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Police seized an AR-15-style rifle and two semi-automatic pistols at the scene.
Fadich fled to California but was arrested on January 8, 2026, at a gas station in Mt. Shasta. He has been charged with:
\- Attempted Murder
\- First-Degree Assault
\- Second-Degree Assault
\- Unlawful Use of a Weapon (2 counts)
\- Coercion
Fadich's Extremist Background:
According to reports, Fadich is a member of an Antifa cell in Portland with a years-long history of militant involvement. His social media accounts contain Antifa propaganda, celebrations of political violence, and threats against elected officials and journalists. He has been photographed posing in front of Antifa flags and has connections to the terrorist group Antifa International.
READ MORE HERE. (link is external)
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Original text here: https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/antifa-extremist-who-threatened-kill-congresswoman-mace-now-charged-attempted
Allen Announces Hearing on Adopting AI at Work
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Allen Announces Hearing on Adopting AI at Work
Tuesday, at 10:15 a.m., the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA), will hold the second hearing in a series examining artificial intelligence, titled "Building an AI-Ready America: Adopting AI at Work."
What:
Subcommittee hearing titled "Building an AI-Ready America: Adopting AI at Work"
When:
10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Allen Announces Hearing on Adopting AI at Work
Tuesday, at 10:15 a.m., the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA), will hold the second hearing in a series examining artificial intelligence, titled "Building an AI-Ready America: Adopting AI at Work."
What:
Subcommittee hearing titled "Building an AI-Ready America: Adopting AI at Work"
When:
10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February3, 2026
Where:
2175 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=413047
Cantwell, Duckworth, Warner, Markey & Shaheen Reintroduce Legislation to Review and Strengthen FAA's Safety Management System to Ensure Agency Comprehensively Identifies and Corrects Safety Risks
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Cantwell, Duckworth, Warner, Markey & Shaheen Reintroduce Legislation to Review and Strengthen FAA's Safety Management System to Ensure Agency Comprehensively Identifies and Corrects Safety Risks
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill,), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
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Cantwell, Duckworth, Warner, Markey & Shaheen Reintroduce Legislation to Review and Strengthen FAA's Safety Management System to Ensure Agency Comprehensively Identifies and Corrects Safety Risks
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill,), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation,Mark Warner (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 to improve the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) safety oversight and its ability to identify and address aviation safety issues.
"The FAA must ensure that its own safety management system (SMS) is working well if the agency is going to properly oversee the SMSs of those it regulates," said Sen. Cantwell. "Following years of weak oversight which contributed to the DCA mid-air collision, the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 door-plug incident, and the Ethiopian and Indonesian crashes, it's past time to bring in outside safety experts to examine and recommend how FAA can create an agency-wide SMS to be most effective in identifying and correcting safety risks to prevent future incidents."
"From the deadly DCA crash to the spike in near misses and air traffic control equipment outages, there are too many alarm bells ringing that we must strengthen safety in our aviation system," said Sen. Duckworth. "It's the FAA's job to keep the flying public safe, so it only makes sense that the FAA should be held to the highest standard of safety when it comes to its own policies and procedures. Our bill seeks to ensure that the FAA is optimizing effectiveness in its work to strengthen aviation safety and protect passengers and crew."
"As we approach the one-year mark of the mid-air collision between American Airlines flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Airport, it is our responsibility as legislators to make sure that nothing like that tragic crash ever happens again," said Sen. Warner. "This bill creates an independent, expert-driven process to identify system-wide safety improvements so that they can be addressed in order to prevent another tragedy."
"Increasingly frequent near-misses and close calls over the last several years--coupled with recent aviation tragedies--are important reminders that we must do more to keep our skies safe, and that all starts at the top with the FAA," said Sen. Shaheen. "By establishing an independent panel of experts to make recommendations for an agency-wide safety management system, our legislation would address long-standing concerns at FAA and help keep the flying public safe."
The bill directs the FAA to establish an independent expert review panel to make recommendations for a comprehensive, integrated and effective FAA safety management system (SMS) to better predict, manage and mitigate safety risks across the agency.
In his response to the Committee following his nomination hearing, FAA Administrator Bedford expressed support for Ranking Member Cantwell's longstanding push to ensure a stronger, and more integrated FAA-wide SMS. Administrator Bedford has also expressed support for a stronger FAA SMS as part of FAA's Flight Plan 2026.
In its preliminary report following the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a regional commercial jet operating as American Airlines flight 5342 that took the lives of 67 people, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found the FAA failed to act appropriately in response to safety data pointing to over 15,000 near misses between helicopter and commercial fixed-wing aircraft at DCA during the approximately three-year period leading up to the tragedy.
This has spurred enhanced scrutiny of the efficacy of FAA's own SMS and whether individual SMS at safety-critical FAA offices - including the Air Traffic Organization and the Aviation Safety Organization - are effective in identifying and correcting safety issues. The expert review panel created by this legislation would examine FAA's agency-wide SMS as well as the individual SMS of these key FAA offices. The bill would also direct the panel to evaluate the efficacy of FAA employee voluntary safety reporting systems, a key component of a healthy SMS, and a subject highlighted by air traffic controllers during last summer's NTSB's investigative hearings on the January 29 mid-air collision, who voiced concerns about their ability to flag safety issues.
"Senator Cantwell has long understood the importance of an effective safety management system at the FAA, and the NTSB's presentation today underscored why. The record showed that vital safety information existed but was not consistently acted on--reflecting failures in both systems and safety culture. The American people deserve an FAA that identifies risk and acts before tragedy, not after. If a functioning safety management system had been in place, our loved ones might be alive today." - Families of Flight 5342
"In December, we spoke with FAA Administrator Bedford about his plans to consolidate safety teams and systems across the agency. The FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 complements that critical work. We commend Senator Cantwell's continued leadership and strongly support her efforts to advance a robust, FAA-wide Safety Management System." - Tim & Sheri Lilley, parents of Flight 5342 first officer Sam Lilley
"Safety Management Systems have proven to be an effective tool in aviation, and are now required across the aerospace industry, from airlines to manufacturers. This bill helps ensure that the FAA itself is has an effective SMS that is able to work and interface with its industry counterparts for the benefit of the flying public." - Dr. Javier De Luis, Lecturer, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Organization Designation Authorizations (ODA) Expert Panel Member
"I enthusiastically support this legislation and believe it addresses critical gaps in the FAA's safety management framework. The bill's comprehensive scope reflects a sophisticated understanding of SMS implementation challenges." - Dr. Najmedin Meshkati, Professor Civil/Environmental Engineering; Industrial and Systems Engineering; USC Aviation Safety and Security Program University of Southern California, Organization Designation Authorizations (ODA) Expert Panel Member
"Frontline aviation maintenance professionals are the backbone of aviation safety. The FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 reinforces the principle that safety management systems must be trustworthy and dependable for the professionals on the frontlines. When technicians are empowered to report hazards without fear of reprisal, the entire safety system becomes reliable and safer. Strong oversight, protect confidentiality, and a focus on fixing systemic issues--not blaming workers--are essential to a safety culture that truly delivers results." - Bret Oestreich, National President of Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
"The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) thanks Senator Cantwell for introducing the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026, which, when passed, will result in critical improvements to the FAA's Safety Management System." - National Air Traffic Controllers Association
"We thank Senator Cantwell for her continued leadership on aviation safety. The FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 strengthens oversight of FAA's Safety Management System and ensures it is integrated across the entire agency. This important safety program is critical to maintaining the highest standards and identifying hazards before they become serious. By including pilots on this independent expert review panel, the bill reinforces the essential role of frontline aviation professionals in advancing a strong and effective agency-wide safety culture."- Captain Jason Ambrosi, Air Line Pilots Association, International
"As the frontline operators of our nation's aviation system, the Allied Pilots Association recognizes that a world-class safety culture must begin at the regulatory level. While the FAA has mandated SMS for airlines and manufacturers, it is essential that the agency itself be held to the same rigorous, data-driven standards. This bill is entirely necessary in ensuring the FAA has the robust internal safety systems necessary to protect the flying public." - First Officer Nick Silva, Allied Pilots Association President
"The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) strongly supports the introduction of the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). As the professional pilots of Southwest Airlines who operate within the National Airspace System every day, we know that a robust Safety Management System (SMS) is a cornerstone of aviation safety. It is imperative that the FAA not only enforces these standards on operators but also effectively implements them within its own agency. We specifically applaud the legislation's requirement to include frontline labor representatives on the expert review panel. A true safety culture relies on non-punitive, voluntary reporting and the direct input of the pilots and air traffic controllers who witness the system's realities firsthand. By examining the efficacy of the FAA's current safety reporting programs and risk management policies, this bill ensures that the voices of aviation safety professionals are heard. SWAPA urges Congress to pass this critical legislation to ensure the FAA's internal safety culture matches the high standards required of the U.S. aviation industry." - Captain Jody Reven, President, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association
The bill models the successful expert review panel convened due to Section 103 of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, which recommended key safety reforms to FAA and Boeing to strengthen safety culture and aircraft certification and production oversight in the aftermath of the 737 MAX crashes.
Ranking Member Cantwell included this FAA-wide SMS provision in her legislation to strengthen aviation safety in light of safety failures highlighted by the DCA mid-air collision - S. 1985, the Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act. As Chair of the Commerce Committee, Senator Cantwell previously introduced a similar provision in the FAA SMS Compliance Act of 2024 in August 2024 following the January 2024 Alaska Airlines flight 1282 door plug incident.
During an April 2024 Committee hearing with members of the ODA Expert Review Panel, which was tasked with reviewing Boeing's safety culture, Sen. Cantwell also raised concerns about FAA's safety culture.
"I believe the FAA needs not only a strong workforce strategy to exercise the oversight of the manufacturers to ensure proper implementation of SMS," said Sen. Cantwell, before asking the panel: "What SMS should the FAA implement in their own house to make sure that they are improving the safety culture and standing up on these important safety measures?"
In response, Dr. Najmedin Meshkati recommended the establishment of a specific expert panel to review the effectiveness of the FAA's implementation of its own SMS.
This legislation builds on Senator Cantwell's extensive record on aviation safety. Under her leadership as Commerce Committee Chair, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, prioritizing air traffic controller hiring, FAA safety staffing, and implementing key NTSB safety recommendations like 25-hour cockpit voice recorders. Her landmark 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act strengthened FAA oversight of manufacturers following the Boeing 737 MAX crashes. Senator Cantwell has pursued accountability and solutions following the January 29th collision, calling for permanent helicopter restrictions, demanding Defense Secretary Hegseth provide clarification on military ADS-B policies and joining Chairman Cruz in requesting concurrent DOT and Army Inspector General audits of DCA airspace safety issues.
A section by section of the bill is HERE (https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/297B14AB-079B-4435-ADD9-36B52B59ADB6) and the full bill text is HERE (https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/3F98EB37-0C2F-4843-BC8B-C210783CB1E6).
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2026/1/cantwell-duckworth-warner-markey-shaheen-reintroduce-legislation-to-review-and-strengthen-faa-s-safety-management-system-to-ensure-agency-comprehensively-identifies-and-corrects-safety-risks
Alford Introduces Resolution Honoring President Trump's Historic Greenland Deal
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Introduces Resolution Honoring President Trump's Historic Greenland Deal
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Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced a resolution honoring President Donald J. Trump for securing a historic strategic agreement establishing permanent United States sovereignty and control over critical military installations in Greenland, strengthening Arctic security, and countering malign Russian and Chinese influence.
Read the text of the resolution here.
"President Trump has once again displayed
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Introduces Resolution Honoring President Trump's Historic Greenland Deal
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Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced a resolution honoring President Donald J. Trump for securing a historic strategic agreement establishing permanent United States sovereignty and control over critical military installations in Greenland, strengthening Arctic security, and countering malign Russian and Chinese influence.
Read the text of the resolution here.
"President Trump has once again displayedthe Art of the Deal on the world stage," said Congressman Alford. "The historic Greenland accord will deliver a new era of global security in the Arctic. By securing this deal to deter Russian and Chinese aggression through diplomacy, rather than force, this administration is showing America First does not mean America alone. I'm proud to introduce this resolution to recognize President's steadfast leadership and this extraordinary accomplishment."
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Original text here: https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1465
Burlison to Host IRS and SBA Assistance Week Throughout Missouri's 7th District
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Burlison to Host IRS and SBA Assistance Week Throughout Missouri's 7th District
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WASHINGTON -The office of Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) will host an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Assistance Week from Feb. 23 through Feb. 27, with in-person sessions held daily from noon to 3:00 p.m. Central Time at five locations across Missouri's 7th Congressional District. No appointment is necessary.
The assistance week is intended to help constituents address ongoing issues
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 -- Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Burlison to Host IRS and SBA Assistance Week Throughout Missouri's 7th District
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WASHINGTON -The office of Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) will host an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Assistance Week from Feb. 23 through Feb. 27, with in-person sessions held daily from noon to 3:00 p.m. Central Time at five locations across Missouri's 7th Congressional District. No appointment is necessary.
The assistance week is intended to help constituents address ongoing issueswith the IRS and the SBA, including delayed tax refunds, incorrect bills, audits, loan concerns, and other complex matters before the agencies.
While Rep. Burlison's office cannot file taxes on behalf of constituents, district staff can serve as a liaison between constituents and federal agencies by helping resolve communication delays, clarify case status, and cut through bureaucratic red tape. In prior cases, the office has assisted constituents in recovering significant delayed refunds and resolving longstanding issues involving the SBA.
To provide direct support, Rep. Burlison's office will host IRS and SBA Assistance Week at five locations across the district.
All sessions will be held from noon to 3:00 p.m. Central Time.
Monday, Feb. 23
Pineville Library
808 Bailey Road
Pineville, MO
Community Room
Tuesday, Feb. 24
Joplin Public Library
1901 E. 20th St.
Joplin, MO 64804
Community Room 1
Wednesday, Feb. 25
206 W. Water St.
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Community Room
Thursday, Feb. 26
312 Esplanade Drive
Hollister, MO 65672
Community Room
Friday, Feb. 27
Springfield Library
4653 S. Campbell Ave.
Springfield, MO 65810
Community Room A
Constituents will be able to meet one on one with district staff to receive guidance on resolving issues with the IRS or SBA. Participants are encouraged to bring any relevant documentation related to their case.
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Original text here: https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-host-irs-and-sba-assistance-week-throughout-missouris-7th-district
