U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Veterans Affairs: Actions Needed to Address Software License Challenges
WASHINGTON, May 19 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Veterans Affairs: Actions Needed to Address Software License Challenges
Fast Facts
The Department of Veterans Affairs spends billions of dollars annually on IT products that help it provide benefits and care to veterans and their families. We testified about VA's software licensing practices.
For its most widely-used software, VA didn't track the number of licenses in use to compare to the number purchased. As a result, VA could be buying too many or too few licenses and incurring unnecessary
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 19 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Veterans Affairs: Actions Needed to Address Software License Challenges
Fast Facts
The Department of Veterans Affairs spends billions of dollars annually on IT products that help it provide benefits and care to veterans and their families. We testified about VA's software licensing practices.
For its most widely-used software, VA didn't track the number of licenses in use to compare to the number purchased. As a result, VA could be buying too many or too few licenses and incurring unnecessarycosts. VA did not have guidance for effectively managing the effects of restrictive licensing practices.
We recommended ways for VA to improve its software licensing practices.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spends billions of dollars annually for IT and cyber-related investments, including commercial software licenses. In a January 2024 government-wide report, GAO noted that while VA identified its five most widely used software vendors with the highest quantity of licenses installed, VA faced challenges in determining whether it was purchasing too many or too few of these software licenses. Specifically, VA was not tracking the appropriate number of licenses for each item of software currently in use. Additionally, the department did not compare inventories of software licenses that were currently in use to purchase records on a regular basis (see table).
GAO January 2024 Report Assessing the Department of Veterans Affairs' Management of Widely Used Software Licenses
Key Activity
Assessment
Track software licenses that are currently in use
Not met
Regularly compare the inventories of software licenses that are currently in use to purchase records
Not met
Source: GAO analysis of agency data. I GAO-25-108475
Until VA adequately assesses the appropriate number of licenses, it cannot determine whether it is purchasing too many licenses or too few. GAO recommended that VA track licenses in use within its inventories and compare them with purchase records. VA concurred with the recommendations and is taking preliminary actions to track software license usage. Implementation of these recommendations would allow VA to identify opportunities to reduce costs on duplicate or unnecessary licenses.
In a November 2024 government-wide report, GAO found that restrictive software licensing practices adversely impacted federal agencies' cloud computing efforts, including those of VA. These practices either increased costs of cloud software or services or limited VA's options when selecting cloud service providers. VA had not established guidance for effectively managing impacts from restrictive practices for cloud computing or determined who is responsible for managing these impacts.
Until VA establishes guidance and assigns responsibility for mitigating the impacts of restrictive software licensing practices, it will likely miss opportunities to avoid or minimize these impacts. GAO made two recommendations to VA to mitigate the impacts of restrictive software licensing practices. VA concurred with the recommendations and stated that it would provide the actions it plans to take to address both recommendations in its update to the final report.
Why GAO Did This Study
VA depends on critical underlying IT systems to manage benefits and provide care to millions of veterans and their families. VA obligated about $21 billion in fiscal years 2022 through 2024 for a range of IT products, systems, and services.
In 2015, GAO identified the management of software licenses as a focus area in its High-Risk report. GAO has also previously reported on the need for federal agencies--including VA--to ensure better management of software licenses.
GAO was asked to testify on VA's software licensing practices. GAO summarized its government-wide January 2024 and November 2024 reports specific to VA's efforts to track software license usage and manage restrictive licensing practices. GAO also compiled information from its past reports on leading software license management practices and summarized VA's actions in response to recommendations made in those reports.
Recommendations
GAO made four recommendations in its two recent 2024 reports for VA to improve its management of software licenses and mitigate the effects of restrictive software licensing practices. Although VA concurred with the recommendations, it has not yet implemented them. Implementation of the recommendations is essential to minimizing costs and mitigating restrictive licensing impacts.
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-108475
New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Celebrates Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs at Small Business Administration's Annual Awards
WASHINGTON, May 17 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Celebrates Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs at Small Business Administration's Annual Awards
**Annual National Small Business Week awards recognize achievements and contributions of SBA-assisted individuals and businesses**
(Manchester, NH) - U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), along with U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), today celebrated Granite State small business owners and entrepreneurs
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WASHINGTON, May 17 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Celebrates Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs at Small Business Administration's Annual Awards
**Annual National Small Business Week awards recognize achievements and contributions of SBA-assisted individuals and businesses**
(Manchester, NH) - U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), along with U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), today celebrated Granite State small business owners and entrepreneursat the Small Business Administration's (SBA) annual National Small Business Week awards at the Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum. The annual awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and businesses that have been supported by the SBA. Click here to view photos from the event.
"I was glad to attend today's ceremony to celebrate the extraordinary Granite State small businesses being recognized. At the same time, I'm very concerned by the Trump administration's proposed budget which would eliminate so many of the programs that support these businesses dealing with tariffs and economic uncertainty," said Senator Shaheen, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. "We need to protect and fund SBA's entrepreneurial development programs so that we can keep all of our small businesses robust in the state and ensure that we continue to grow and provide good jobs for the workers of New Hampshire."
"I was grateful to join small business owners from across our state this morning to celebrate the incredible contribution that small businesses make to our communities," said Senator Hassan. "As small businesses face rising costs and the chaos and uncertainty of ongoing tariffs, I will continue to work to support the SBA and its efforts to lower costs for New Hampshire small businesses. I applaud today's award winners and am grateful for all of the small business owners who choose to work in New Hampshire and call our state home."
"I want to share my heartfelt congratulations with this year's award winners and honorees," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "Small businesses are the backbone of our state's economy, but they're more than that. They make up the fabric of our state and the character of our communities. I know how challenging things can be, even in the best of times, and I will always do everything I can to support our small businesses and create an economic environment that will help our businesses grow and cut costs."
"New Hampshire small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy," said Congresswoman Goodlander, a member of the House Committee on Small Business. "This morning in Manchester, it was an honor to join the Small Business Awards Ceremony to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and innovation of incredible entrepreneurs across our state. I am proud to advocate for New Hampshire's small businesses in Congress and to bring their voices to the Small Business Committee."
The Granite State recipients of the 2025 Small Business Awards include:
* New Hampshire Small Business Person of the Year: Dr. Tanya Lawson, Inbloom Health + Medispa, Londonderry
* Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Russ Collins, Home Innovations Corp., Derry
* Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Karen Jenovese, Swim NH LLC, Concord
* Financial Services Champion of the Year for NH and NE: Rick Dassatti, SCORE Granite Region, Manchester
* Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Josh Velasquez, Shire's Naturals, Peterborough
* Home-Based Business of the Year: Hailee Grisham Hampton, Hurry Slow Hat Co., Littleton
* Young Entrepreneur: Sabrina MacDowell, Pampered Pup LLC, Candia
* Micro-Enterprise: Bret Lincoln, Lincoln Fencing, Epping
Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump's policies on small businesses and consumers. Just before President Trump took office, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president's ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for consumers and families. In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila's Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple, American Calan Inc. and NH Ball Bearings to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the administration's trade war.
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Original text here: https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/new-hampshire-congressional-delegation-celebrates-small-business-owners-and-entrepreneurs-at-small-business-administrations-annual-awards
ICYMI Update: Rep. Al Green Files Impeachment Articles, Cites Trump as Threat to Democracy in 'To Whom It May Concern' Letter
WASHINGTON, May 17 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release:
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ICYMI Update: Rep. Al Green Files Impeachment Articles, Cites Trump as Threat to Democracy in 'To Whom It May Concern' Letter
(Washington, D.C.)-- On Thursday, May 15, 2025, I announced on the floor of the House of Representatives that I have filed H.Res.415, to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States. The resolution states that the President has devolved American democracy into authoritarianism, with himself as the authoritarian. I address President Trump's failure to preserve, protect,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 17 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release:
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ICYMI Update: Rep. Al Green Files Impeachment Articles, Cites Trump as Threat to Democracy in 'To Whom It May Concern' Letter
(Washington, D.C.)-- On Thursday, May 15, 2025, I announced on the floor of the House of Representatives that I have filed H.Res.415, to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States. The resolution states that the President has devolved American democracy into authoritarianism, with himself as the authoritarian. I address President Trump's failure to preserve, protect,and defend the Constitution by flouting constitutional law as well as the orders of federal courts, including the Supreme Court. A copy of my letter provides further explanation for why I am filing articles of impeachment against President Donald John Trump and is accessible here. Additionally, a copy of the articles of impeachment can be accessed by clicking here.
You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green's full speech online here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05S_2DLsK8M). The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).
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May 16, 2025
Re: My Reason for Impeaching the President: The Threat that We Said Donald John Trump Posed to Democracy Prior to His Being Sworn in on January 20, 2025, has Become Our Reality
To Whom It May Concern:
I pen this communique with a heavy heart, driven by a conscience that will not allow me to ignore my well-founded, strong pre-election condemnation of Donald John Trump as a threat to American democracy that has now become our reality.
Currently, I am among the many who denounce President Trump as an authoritarian, defined by Merriam Webster as "relating to, or favoring the concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people". I am among those who have pointed out President Trump's failure to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution by flouting constitutional law as well as the orders of federal courts, including the Supreme Court.
I am among those who strongly denounce the President's dangerous flouting of the separation of powers and undermining the independence of the federal judiciary by calling for the impeachment of federal judges who rule against him, rather than appealing the decision, as was explained to all by Chief Justice John Roberts on March 18, 2025.
I am among the throngs who know that the President violates the Fifth Amendment's constitutional right to due process when he condones the deportation, by our Justice Department, of anyone residing in the United States of America to another country, without providing them the constitutionally-mandated legal process owed to present evidence of why they shouldn't be deported.
Regrettably, the President is doing the above in tandem with his expressions of American citizens being deported, while condoning the potential suspension of the great writ of habeas corpus, another fundamental constitutional right.
I cannot, in good conscience, as a Member of Congress, having said what I have said, and knowing what I know -- wait until the next election to deal with authoritarian President Donald John Trump's pre-election threat to American democracy that has become a post-election assault on our government. The President has devolved American democracy into authoritarianism, with himself as the authoritarian.
Authoritarian President Donald John Trump is the problem. The threat of impeachment can act as a deterrent. Should that fail, actual impeachment becomes the solution. Having presented the articles of impeachment that laid the foundation for President Trump's prior impeachment, which contributed to his presidential defeat, I am compelled by my moral imperative, driven by my conscience, to act again.
In Article 65 of the 85 articles and essays contained within the Federalist Papers, written to promote the ratification of the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton explains that the subject of the Senate's jurisdiction for trials of impeachment are, "those offenses which proceed from the misconduct of public men, or, in other words, from the abuse or violation of some public trust. They are of a nature which may with peculiar propriety be denominated political, as they relate chiefly to injuries done immediately to the society itself."
Contrary to what many status quo personalities would have us believe, there is no requirement for the existence of a constitutional crisis before impeaching for high crimes and misdemeanors. In 1868, President Andrew Johnson was impeached for speaking ill of Congress in Article Ten of the articles of impeachment against him. Federal Judge John Pickering became the first person impeached and convicted by the U.S. Senate in 1804. He was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1803 for misconduct as a judge, and for intoxication. He was impeached and convicted under the same constitutional law that all Presidents have been impeached under. Typically, there has been no constitutional crisis associated with articles of impeachment, although a constitutional crisis can exist without any crime being committed.
An authoritarian does not have to commit a codified statutory offense to be impeached. The constitutional law that authoritarian President Trump would have Congress use to impeach a federal judge for ruling against him (Article II, Section 4 of the United States Constitution) is the same law that has been used, and can be used, to impeach him again for making his threats to democracy a reality. I will use that law again.
Former President Gerald Ford was right then, and now, when he proclaimed that, "an impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history."
Waiting for a constitutional crisis can be the forerunner to tanks on American streets. Acting now with my single vote to impeach can function as a wake-up call to impeach, as well as deter an authoritarian President and avert a constitutional crisis. Acting now, as was done before, can also contribute to the genesis of a public movement, similar to that which led to authoritarian President Donald John Trump's prior impeachment and defeat at the polls in the 2020 Presidential Election. Although he won't run again, Members of Congress who are aiding and abetting America's devolution into authoritarianism will.
I have not asked Members of Congress to stand with me. I encourage all Members to vote with their conscience. As for me, I stand where I have stood on impeachment, which is a question of conscience, even when the odds are against me -- it is better for me to stand alone than not stand at all -- it won't be the first time.
As a member of Congress, I consider these actions by authoritarian President Trump harmful to society and impeachable: condoning the flouting of federal court orders, flouting the separation of powers, undermining the independence of the federal judiciary, and flouting the constitutional mandate of due process, all of which have devolved our democracy into authoritarianism.
I opposed authoritarian President Donald John Trump's behavior that made him a threat to our democracy prior to his election, and have witnessed that threat become a reality. Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience, fail to take the action the Constitution provides to protect the American people. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed such questions of conscience when he proclaimed, "Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right." I understand that my stance may be neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but I honor the wisdom of King, and do it because conscience says it is right.
It is not unusual for the U.S. House of Representatives to vote multiple times before passing important legislation. Although, the first vote is not always the final victorious vote, it can be the foundational vote.
I have filed and will make H.Res.415, Articles of Impeachment available to the press and public. I will call for a vote to impeach authoritarian President Donald John Trump at a time to be determined, knowing that the American people don't expect me to always win, however I do believe they expect me to always fight.
Sincerely,
Al Green
Member of Congress
Scion of the Enslaved Africans - Sacrificed to Make America Great Progenitor of August and August 20th as Slavery Remembrance Month and Day
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Original text here: https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-update-rep-al-green-files-impeachment-articles-cites-trump-threat
After Putin Skips Peace Talks, Blumenthal Calls for Passage of Bipartisan Russian Sanctions Bill
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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After Putin Skips Peace Talks, Blumenthal Calls for Passage of Bipartisan Russian Sanctions Bill
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today issued the below statement calling for the passage of his bipartisan legislation that would impose hard-hitting primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia's aggression, following Vladimir Putin's refusal to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine:
"Time for scorching sanctions,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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After Putin Skips Peace Talks, Blumenthal Calls for Passage of Bipartisan Russian Sanctions Bill
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today issued the below statement calling for the passage of his bipartisan legislation that would impose hard-hitting primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia's aggression, following Vladimir Putin's refusal to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine:
"Time for scorching sanctions,as Putin mocks Trump--and America--by sending low-level minions to supposed peace talks. He's a murderous thug who understands only force--economic or military.
"Putin will continue stonewalling and slow-walking ceasefire efforts till his economy is hit hard--isolating it on a financial island--as my sanctions bill with Senator Graham would do. It's supported by European allies, Ukraine, and nearly 80 Senators, evenly bipartisan.
"We need a vote--right now--whatever the legislative path. It will pass overwhelmingly and help stop Putin's purposeful, brutal battlefield bloodshed, bomb and drone civilian deaths, horrendous maiming and suffering. Time to speak to him in the only language he understands."
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Original text here: https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/after-putin-skips-peace-talks-blumenthal-calls-for-passage-of-bipartisan-russian-sanctions-bill
"CISA 2015 Has Become More Vital Than Ever": Chairman Garbarino Opens Hearing to Weigh Reauthorization, Reforms
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, issued the following news on May 15, 2025:
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"CISA 2015 Has Become More Vital Than Ever": Chairman Garbarino Opens Hearing to Weigh Reauthorization, Reforms
WASHINGTON D.C.-- Today, Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, delivered the following opening statement in a hearing to weigh the reauthorization of the "Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015" (CISA 2015), which is set to expire in September 2025, and discuss
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, issued the following news on May 15, 2025:
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"CISA 2015 Has Become More Vital Than Ever": Chairman Garbarino Opens Hearing to Weigh Reauthorization, Reforms
WASHINGTON D.C.-- Today, Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, delivered the following opening statement in a hearing to weigh the reauthorization of the "Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015" (CISA 2015), which is set to expire in September 2025, and discussopportunities for reform.
As prepared for delivery:
Information sharing is a critical component of our nation's defense against global cyber threats. From utility companies in rural areas to major banks on Wall Street, the private sector is on the frontlines of the digital battlefield, frequently defending itself from malicious cyber actors.
Securing the United States in cyberspace requires a whole-of-society approach--strong partnerships and close coordination between industry and government at all levels. Our national resilience against cyber threats is reinforced by sharing threat information and best practices among all stakeholders. Nearly ten years ago, Congress passed the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015), establishing a framework for the voluntary exchange of cybersecurity information between private entities and the federal government.
By providing liability and privacy protections for information shared in accordance with the statute, CISA 2015 removed longstanding barriers to public-private collaboration in cybersecurity. Over the past decade, the threat landscape has evolved significantly, with sophisticated nation-state and criminal actors increasingly exploiting cyberspace to target infrastructure and individuals. As these threats continue to rise, CISA 2015 has become more vital than ever. The law has fostered a foundation of trust among cybersecurity stakeholders, making information sharing the default rather than an exception.
A significant volume of critical cyber threat intelligence has been exchanged between industry and government under this law. For instance, just this year, a major organization shared 84 formal reports, reaching thousands of partner organizations. This doesn't include the numerous informal daily exchanges that are also protected by the law.
This September, CISA 2015 is set to expire unless Congress reauthorizes it. As we've heard from many stakeholders, the liability and privacy protections provided by the law have facilitated better information sharing, helped secure networks, and improved our overall cybersecurity posture. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which this Subcommittee oversees, has played a crucial role in fostering these information-sharing partnerships, a mission I look forward to continuing under the new Administration.
There are valid concerns that without these protections, the private sector would be less willing to share cybersecurity information, either amongst themselves or with the federal government. Without these safeguards, we can be certain that our nation would be more vulnerable to cyber threats. I strongly support reauthorizing CISA 2015, and I've made it a top priority this year. I'm encouraged that just yesterday, Secretary Noem voiced similar support before the full committee. This hearing is a crucial step forward in the reauthorization process, and I look forward to incorporating feedback into a reauthorization bill.
I'd like to thank our expert panel for being here today. Your insights on how this law has been implemented across industries are invaluable. Some of you have tracked or worked directly on this law since its inception.
I look forward to exploring ways to maintain and potentially improve voluntary cybersecurity information sharing between the public and private sectors.
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Original text here: https://homeland.house.gov/2025/05/15/cisa-2015-has-become-more-vital-than-ever-chairman-garbarino-opens-hearing-to-weigh-reauthorization-reforms/
