The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged New York City-based Unicoin, Inc. and three of its top executives—CEO and Board Chairman Alex Konanykhin; Silvina Moschini, former president, former board chairwoman, and current board member; and former Chief Investment Officer Alex Dominguez—for false and misleading statements in an offering of certificates that purportedly conveyed rights to receive crypto assets called Unicoin tokens and an offering of Unicoin, Inc.’s common stock.
“We allege that Unicoin and its executives exploited thousands of investors with fictitious promises that its tokens, when issued, would be backed by real-world assets including an international portfolio of valuable real estate holdings,” said Mark Cave, Associate Director in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “But as we allege, the real estate assets were worth a mere fraction of what the company claimed, and the majority of the company’s sales of rights certificates were illusory. Unicoin’s most senior executives are alleged to have perpetuated the fraud, and today’s action seeks accountability for their conduct.”
The SEC alleges that Unicoin broadly marketed rights certificates to the public through extensive promotional efforts, including advertisements in major airports, on thousands of New York City taxis, and on television and social media. Among other things, Unicoin and its executives are alleged to have convinced more than 5,000 investors to purchase rights certificates through false and misleading statements that portrayed them as investments in safe, stable, and profitable “next generation” crypto assets, including claims that:
Unicoin tokens underlying the rights certificates were “asset-backed” by billions of dollars of real estate and equity interests in pre-IPO companies, when Unicoin’s assets were never worth more than a small fraction of that amount;
the company had sold more than $3 billion in rights certificates, when it raised no more than $110 million; and
the rights certificates and Unicoin tokens were “SEC-registered” or “U.S. registered” when they were not.
According to the SEC’s complaint, Unicoin and Konanykhin also violated the federal securities laws by engaging in unregistered offers and sales of rights certificates. Konanykhin offered and sold over 37.9 million of his rights certificates to offer better pricing and target investors the company had prohibited from participating in the offering to avoid jeopardizing its exemption to registration requirements, as alleged.
The SEC’s complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, charges Unicoin, Konanykhin, Moschini, and Dominguez with violations of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws, Konanykhin and Unicoin with violating the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, and Konanykhin as a control person for certain of Unicoin’s antifraud violations. The complaint seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, and civil penalties against Unicoin, Konanykhin, Moschini, and Dominguez, as well as officer-and-director bars against Konanykhin, Moschini, and Dominguez.
The complaint also charges Unicoin’s general counsel, Richard Devlin, with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws by negligently making similar misstatements in private placement memoranda Unicoin used to offer and sell rights certificates and Unicoin common stock. Without admitting or denying the SEC’s allegations, Devlin has consented to the entry of a final judgment providing permanent injunctive relief and ordering him to pay a $37,500 civil penalty.
The SEC’s investigation was conducted by Adam B. Gottlieb, Jason Schall, and Joss Berteaud and was supervised by W. Bradley Ney and Mr. Cave. The litigation will be led by Russell Feldman and Mr. Gottlieb and supervised by Jack Kaufman.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
San Diego, CA – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) made the following statement regarding the data from the Point-in-Time Count released by the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness:
“I’m encouraged by the decrease in the number of families and veterans who are unsheltered. The results show our investments have us headed in the right direction, yet we know that much more must be done to shelter our neighbors,” said Rep. Peters. “We must build more low- and middle-income housing and we must do it faster and we must protect the services available to those in need.”
The 2025 Point-in-Time Count identified 9,905 people in San Diego County who are homeless, compared to 10,605 a year ago.
The data shows that proven strategies are making a difference. Homelessness among Transitional Youth (18 to 24 years old) decreased by 22 percent. Rep. Peters recently celebrated the opening of a new youth shelter which he secured $1.5 million for as part of the City of San Diego’s Safe Shelter for Transition-Age Youth (Safe STAY) program. The shelter will provide wrap-around case management to help young people exit homelessness through education, employment, and supportive services.
Still, too many San Diegans remain unsheltered, with many of them living in their cars. According to the Point-in-Time Count results, the population of people living in their vehicles rose by 7 percent. Rep. Peters’ staff recently toured the new H-Barracks safe parking site, San Diego’s 7th safe parking site. The site will add 190 spaces, nearly doubling the capacity of the Safe Parking Program, and will offer critical services to connect individuals and families to housing.
Rep. Peters participated in Point-in-Time Count in January, which he does every year when he is not in Washington, D.C. for votes in the House of Representatives.
“The best way to learn is to talk to people living on the street and hear their stories,” Rep. Peters said. “I thank every volunteer and service provider and will keep pushing to bring home federal resources to support our local partners.”
During his time in Congress, Rep. Peters has led many efforts to increase homelessness funding for the San Diego region, provide more shelter beds, make housing more affordable, and incentivize housing construction. In addition to the recent opening of the youth shelter which he secured funding for, in the last several months, he has:
Launched the Build America Caucus, a bipartisan group dedicated to cutting the self-imposed red tape that has led to out-of-control housing costs and other lagging investments.
Launched the YIMBY Caucus, a first-of-its-kind group working to promote pro-housing growth policies that lower costs, help people achieve the dream of home ownership, and create vibrant, walkable, and transit-connected communities.
Urged the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to finish processing and disbursing Fiscal Year 2024 homelessness funds that had yet to be sent out and requested that HUD adhere to the recent congressionally approved two-year homelessness funding cycle.
Rep. Peters’ legislation that is now law in this space includes:
The Veteran HOUSE Act, which became law in the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2021 and is working to tackle veteran homelessness by expanding the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.
The Housing Assistance Efficiency Act, which became law in 2015 and is helping non-profits directly administer homelessness assistance grants to those who need it by eliminating a bureaucratic step previously requiring non-profits to connect homeless individuals with federal agencies to receive aid.
Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) spoke at the weekly Senate Republican Leadership Press Conference on the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, a historic piece of legislation that establishes a clear regulatory framework for payment stablecoins.
*Click the photo above or here to watch*
Full Remarks:
Senator Hagerty: Thank you, Leader Thune. And I would like to say to everyone, I look forward to making history, hopefully this week, as we continue to make progress on the Genius Act.
What does it do? I think it’s very important to understand this. We’re modernizing the payment system here in America. We’re going to put America at the forefront of innovation, rather than having America behind is the caboose.
This is a dramatic new technology innovation [that] is happening here in America. I don’t want to see it pushed offshore. I want to see it happening right here.
The implications of this are incredible in terms of protecting consumers. Today, it’s an unregulated market. What we’ll do is make certain that everyone knows that stablecoins are backed by U.S. dollars, and that those dollars are backed up by cash and short-term U.S. treasuries, the highest quality instruments, so that these instruments can be used for digital trade all over the world.
This will ensure U.S. dollar dominance. It will advance our position as a reserve currency in the world, rather than see the retreat and decline that we might otherwise experience.
The other thing that it will do is it will stimulate demand for United States treasuries. In fact, the projections are that by the end of this decade, stablecoin issuers here in the United States will be the number one holders of U.S. treasuries in the world. Think about that.
I’d far prefer a benign stablecoin issuer to the CCP or other sovereign nations.
So, I think there’s a lot to like about this bill. I appreciate the bipartisan support that we’ve received moving on to it, and I look forward, again, to making history with my colleagues later this week.
Thank you.
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
05.20.25
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Jim Banks (R-Ind.), all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today joined President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein at the White House for an announcement about the administration’s plan for a Golden Dome missile defense system for America. Sens. Sullivan and Cramer also announced the imminent introduction of their legislation, the GOLDEN DOME Act, to reinforce President Trump’s vision of a layered, integrated missile defense system to protect the United States from the intensifying threats and growing arsenals of China and Russia. The forthcoming GOLDEN DOME Act will also complement President Trump’s “Iron Dome” executive order, signed on January 27, 2025.
Sen. Sullivan and President Trump also emphasized the critical role Alaska plays in the nation’s missile defense system.
Click here or the image above to watch coverage of the full event.
“When you look at the system that [President Trump] laid out, you have the initial ground-based missile interceptors, which are made by some of the big defense companies,” said Sen. Sullivan. “But the beauty of [the President’s] vision is that it’s layered, it’s open architecture, and it goes up into space. This is going to involve some of the new defense tech companies that are very interested and can bring missile defense at a cost that is lower than we could ever have imagined. Senator Cramer and I just met with a bunch of these companies last week. Our technology sector is head and shoulders above any other country, and they’re going to be a key part of this. I think that’s what makes this announcement so exciting.”
“Alaska is a big part of [missile defense] because the location is sort of perfect,” said President Trump. “I think that’s your first line of defense in certain instances.”
Following the White House event, Senators Sullivan and Cramer recorded a brief video recapping the announcement and discussing their GOLDEN DOME Act.
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
Senator Reverend Warnock Encourages Atlanta Business, Civic Leaders to Continue Putting Service Over Self in Remarks to Rotary Club of Atlanta
Senator Reverend Warnock encouraged over 100 Georgia business and civic leaders to continue living out their motto of “service above self” in this moment of political and economic uncertainty
The Georgia Rotarians held a luncheon at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia, including leaders and representatives from various non-profit and small business leaders across the Atlanta region
Established in 1913, the Rotary Club of Atlanta has grown to be one of the most influential business and civic clubs in the world
ICYMI from Saporta Report: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock: ‘Uncertainty is never a friend of business’
Watch Senator Reverend Warnock’s remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta HERE
Atlanta, GA – In remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA)encouraged over 100 Georgia business and civic leaders to continue living out their motto of “service above self” in this moment of political and economic uncertainty.
“As an alum of Head Start, as an alum of Upward Bound, another federal program called Trio that put a kid in housing projects on a college campus every summer so that I could know that I belonged there, as someone who’s been a beneficiary of Pell grants and low-interest student loans. I’m fighting for that kid on Cape Street, and every variation of that kid in rural communities all across our state. And so in this moral moment, I hope that we will recommit ourselves to standing in the best of the Rotarian spirit of service over self. It’s the reason why I’m deeply concerned about much of what is happening right now. I am worried about our country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
The Georgia Rotarians held a luncheon at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia, including leaders and representatives from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Metro Chamber, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Ideas United, and various non-profit and small business leaders representing industries across the Atlanta region.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock greeting constituents and local business and civic leaders
After greeting constituents, the Senator was recognized by the Club’s Board Chair John Yates with a personalized poem he authored highlighting Senator Warnock’s commitment to service for all Georgians. The Senator was introduced by Program Chair and CEO of Ideas United David Roemer ahead of his keynote remarks, where the Senator discussed the detrimental effects of policy unpredictability on businesses and his concerns about tariffs impacts on Georgia small businesses and consumers. Senator Warnock encouraged business leaders to advocate for common-sense leadership and to be unafraid in using their voices to call out the danger and damage Washington politicians pose to Georgia workers and families.
“Like many of you, I’m very concerned about these tariffs. I haven’t met anybody yet who’s excited about it. I talked to business leaders. They are worried. I was down in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia a couple of weeks ago meeting with leaders at the port. […] And while there I was talking to leaders and farmers and small businesses, and they feel the uncertainty. One gentleman involved with beekeeping and honey paid more than $25,000 in tariffs on his last import. He’s a small business owner. He doesn’t get to just move something around and be okay for the next quarter. He could lose his business. He does not know what he is going to do. He does not want to pass that cost on to the consumer, but understandably, he does not want to eat those costs himself. We’re hearing stories like that across Metro Atlanta, where business owners and leaders are left scratching their heads because the math ain’t mathing,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
“They cannot plan in this uncertain, unpredictable environment. […] And so this is such an important moment for business leaders to stand up, to raise your voices, to use your influence in the ways that you can. Now, I’m not naive. I know that when you’re running a business, you want to stay as far from politics as you can. I don’t blame you. But there comes a moment when that which is so fundamental to opportunity and possibility is at stake that we have to raise our voices. We have to use our influence in the same way to stand up and fight for tax cuts, stand up and fight for immigration policy that makes good business sense,” Senator Reverend Warnock continued.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock gives remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta
Additionally, Senator Warnock reflected on his new report that uplifts the success of the clean energy tax credits he helped put into law and propelled Georgia to the forefront of our nation’s clean energy economy, but which are now under threat as Washington Republicans seek to scale back these clean energy jobs and investments.
“According to my report, in Georgia, nearly all the new [clean energy] investments and the new jobs are in counties outside of Metro Atlanta. Nationwide analyzes show that the vast majority of projects announced following the passage of these clean energy tax credits. Over three and four projects have gone to House districts currently held by Republicans. But this is especially true in Georgia. […] This is good news for Georgia, and to undermine it does not make good sense, it’s hard to defend that. The data is clear, and so my colleagues have a decision to make about who they will fight for and what they believe in. Who will they support? But this I do know: uncertainty is never a friend of business, right? It’s hard to know where they invest. You’re not certain about what’s going to happen along the supply chain, it’s hard to know that you should continue to lean in and invest in a clean energy future in Georgia if the Congress can simply undo two years later what it decided to do two years ago, right at the moment that we’re beginning to make progress,”said Senator Reverend Warnock.
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock participates in a fireside chat with Program Chair and Ideas United CEO David Roemer
Following his remarks, the Senator participated in a fireside chat conversation with David Roemer and fielded questions from members of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Senator Warnock closed by reiterating his service to all Georgians is rooted in his mission to see America win by making sure every child has a chance, and the next kid growing up in public housing or relying on low-interest loans for an education knows that anything is possible in America.
“It’s our job to tell our children that in America anything is possible,” Senator Reverend Warnock said in closing.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
PROVIDENCE, RI — Today, after former President Joe Biden announced he has been diagnosed with a serious form of prostate cancer, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:
“I am very sad to hear about former President Biden’s cancer diagnosis. I applaud he and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden for being forthcoming and raising awareness about this difficult disease.
“I am sending best wishes for health and healing to Joe, Jill, and the Biden family as they navigate his treatment and hope for the best possible outcome.
“Joe Biden dedicated much of his career to expanding access to health care and advancing cancer research. This is another reminder of the importance of being able to see a doctor, getting regular checkups, and access to lifesaving screenings for people from all walks of life.”
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
“In the wake of the Bybit hack, it is essential that the United States redouble its efforts to prevent North Korean crypto theft.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the committee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting information on efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea.
In February, the Lazarus Group, a hacker syndicate backed by the North Korean government, stole approximately $1.5 billion in digital currency from Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency exchange. In the letter, the senators warn the attack marks a dangerous escalation in North Korea’s use of crypto theft to evade sanctions and fund its weapons programs — a direct threat to U.S. national security and global stability.
“In the wake of this attack—the ‘largest crypto theft of all time’—we write to request information regarding your efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea,” wrote the senators.
They continued: “North Korea relies on cryptocurrency theft to subvert U.S.-led international sanctions and to undermine the security of the United States and our Indo-Pacific allies… These stolen assets have helped keep the regime afloat and supported continued investments in its nuclear and conventional weapons programs. Reports suggest there are potentially thousands of North Korean-affiliated crypto hackers around the globe.”
The senators press the agencies on how they are responding to the evolving tactics of North Korean hackers and what tools they need to prevent future attacks. This comes as Senate Republicans attempt to advance the GENIUS Act — legislation that, as currently drafted, would dramatically expand the stablecoin market with few guardrails and inadequate national security protections. A vote on the bill could come as early as later today.
Full text of the letter follows:
Dear Secretary Bessent and Attorney General Bondi:
On February 21, 2025, the Lazarus Group, a hacker syndicate backed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), stole approximately $1.5 billion in digital currency from Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency exchange. In the wake of this attack—the “largest crypto theft of all time”—we write to request information regarding your efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea.
North Korea relies on cryptocurrency theft to subvert U.S.-led international sanctions and to undermine the security of the United States and our Indo-Pacific allies. The Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community for 2025 states that “North Korea is funding its military development—allowing it to pose greater risks to the United States—and economic initiatives by stealing hundreds of millions of dollars per year in cryptocurrency from the United States and other victims.” Between 2017 and 2023, North Korea stole an estimated $3 billion in crypto hacks, laundering tokens through crypto mixers to effectively mask their origins before funneling the proceeds back to Pyongyang. These stolen assets have helped keep the regime afloat and supported continued investments in its nuclear and conventional weapons programs. Reports suggest there are potentially thousands of North Korean-affiliated crypto hackers around the globe.
In recent years, North Korean hackers have shifted from simplistic crypto theft schemes to more sophisticated tactics. Typically, these attacks center around variations of social engineering schemes, designed to exploit vulnerabilities in tech and crypto companies. Hackers have increasingly found ways to infiltrate crypto firms, often faking credentials, resumes, and documents and disguising themselves as American or foreign nationals eligible for work. According to reports, “[t]hey have pretended to be Canadian IT workers, government officials and freelance Japanese blockchain developers. They will conduct video interviews to get a job, or …masquerade as potential employers.” In addition, hackers have relied on “phishing and supply chain attacks, and…infrastructure hacks which involve private key or seed phrase compromises.”
The Bybit hack reflects a further escalation in North Korea’s ability to execute complex crypto theft schemes. In the attack, hackers pulled approximately $1.5 billion from a “cold” crypto storage wallet—a “piece of hardware…kept mostly isolated from online networks” that, prior to the attack, were “considered to be almost impervious to attacks.”10 According to experts, the attack suggests that “North Korea has either expanded its money laundering infrastructure or that underground financial networks, particularly in China, have enhanced their capacity to absorb and process illicit funds.”11 The hack is expected to have significant impacts on the crypto industry and leaves companies scrambling to bolster cybersecurity. Specifically, “staving off North Korean thefts will likely require much higher spending by crypto exchanges.”
In the wake of the Bybit hack, it is essential that the United States redouble its efforts to prevent North Korean crypto theft. To better understand the scope of North Korea’s reliance on the theft of crypto to evade sanctions and finance its weapons programs and the steps the administration is taking to address this urgent national security concern, we ask that you respond to the following questions by June 2, 2025:
1. Please describe the steps your agency is taking to address threats to U.S. national security posed by North Korea’s theft of cryptocurrency to earn revenue and bypass sanctions.
2. What additional steps, if any, does your agency plan to take in the wake of the Bybit attack to bolster efforts to prevent North Korean cryptocurrency theft?
3. What are the biggest challenges your agency faces in combatting North Korean cryptocurrency theft? What steps can Congress take to bolster and support enforcement efforts to prevent future crypto theft?
Sincerely,
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
VIDEO: Kennedy falsely claims: ‘We have a team in Milwaukee.’; Reed: ‘What about the rest of the United States? This is not a problem exclusively in Milwaukee.’
WASHINGTON, DC – After successfully working to appropriate $51 million to protect children from lead exposure, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today confronted President Trump’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., about why he effectively shut down a branch of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that is responsible for monitoring childhood lead poisoning.
Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable environmental health problem. Lead is a neurotoxin that can impair brain development, particularly when children are exposed before the age of 6. Lead exposure most commonly occurs through peeling or flaking lead paint or household dust containing lead, though it can also be ingested through water traveling through lead pipes, soil, or in the air near contaminated industrial facilities. CDC estimates that approximately 500,000 children in the United States have concerning blood lead levels that could adversely impact their health.
During today’s hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, Senator Reed criticized the Trump Administration’s costly mishandling of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP), the flip-flopping messages, and failure to assist state health agencies and non-profits. HHS’s short-sighted cuts are likely to lead to data blind spots when it comes to lead poisoning surveillance, making it harder for health authorities and researchers tracking childhood blood lead levels. Other state agencies and federal departments also rely on this type of data..
Reed led the effort to fund the CLPPP and support childhood lead surveillance and technical capacity, provide lead poisoning prevention training to public health professionals, support childhood blood lead surveillance systems, expand public health laboratory capacity, and ensure targeted screening and case management. But rather than helping states prevent lead poisoning, the Trump Administration fired the teams responsible for administering programs that keep children safe and healthy from lead poisoning.
During today’s hearing, Reed asked Secretary Kennedy about shutting down the Childhood Lead Program and what effect the Trump Administration’s abrupt layoffs could have on state and local lead poisoning prevention efforts. Mr. Kennedy seemed confused and gave conflicting answers before falsely suggesting that HHS had a team of experts in one city: Milwaukee. Senator Reed noted that HHS has a responsibility to help protect children in all fifty states:
SEN. REED: Mr. Secretary, I want to ask you about the CDC’s Childhood Lead Program, because we’ve heard a lot of conflicting messages about…
SEC. KENNEDY: Childhood?
REED: Yes, the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. We’ve heard a lot of conflicting messages. First, the program was eliminated as part of your restructuring of HHS and all the program staff was fired. You suggested that that was a mistake and that the program will be brought back online. Last week you told Senator Baldwin that lead poisoning among children was a very significant issue. And as Congress appropriated the money, the program would continue.
Well, Congress has appropriated the funding. And as far as we can tell, staff has not yet been hired. And I see no statements reversing your decision to eliminate the program. So which is it?
KENNEDY: We are continuing to fund the program. And in Milwaukee, we have a team in Milwaukee, and we’re giving laboratory support to the to the analytics in Milwaukee. And we’re working with the Health Department of Milwaukee.
REED: Well, that’s Milwaukee. What about the rest of the country?
KENNEDY: Well, I don’t– as I said, I have I have a a TRO now, you know, a federal TRO that does not allow me to talk about the re-org. What I can tell you is that if you appropriate the money, that we are going to spend it.
REED: We have appropriated the money, Mr. Secretary. You indicated that you have a program in Milwaukee. What about the rest of the United States? This is not a problem exclusively in Milwaukee.
KENNEDY: My understanding is that that program is continuing. I’m hoping to, I’m, I’m very, very happy to talk to you, Senator, after this and find out exactly what the details are.
REED: Well, it should be a very simple answer: The program’s back up and running. We’ve hired the staff, which I don’t think you have. And that doesn’t indicate that you’re serious about getting the program running again.
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON –U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today reintroduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act – bipartisan, zero-cost legislation to improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The bill focuses on streamlining the often cumbersome and time-consuming prior authorization process, ultimately allowing healthcare providers to spend more time on patient care rather than administrative burdens.
This legislation would help physicians better serve and improve care for the 32.8 million Americans.
“Our seniors deserve high-quality care delivered in a timely fashion. I am proud to introduce this legislation that takes commonsense steps to modernize the prior authorization process, cutting through red tape, streamlining approvals, and making sure our health care providers are focused on what really matters — supporting their patients,” Sen. Warner said.
“Prior authorization is the number one administrative burden facing physicians today across all specialties,” Sen. Marshall said. “As a physician, I understand the frustration this arbitrary process is causing health care practices across the country and the headaches it creates for our nurses. With the bipartisan, bicameral Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, we will streamline prior authorization and help improve patient outcomes and access to quality care.”
Joining Sens. Warner and Marshall are U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Fetterman (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), James Lankford (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Andy Kim (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE).
“Too often, seniors face unnecessarily complicated and burdensome prior authorization processes that can become a barrier to receiving care,” Sen. Hassan said. “This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense way to support seniors on Medicare Advantage in accessing care, and to help health care providers focus on their patients instead of paperwork.”
“Prior authorization places more importance on process than patients. As a doctor, I want that to change. Let’s make sure seniors are receiving timely care,” Sen. Cassidy said.
“Too often, seniors have to wait to receive vital care because of administrative burdens like prior authorization. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which will streamline prior authorization and reduce unnecessary health care delays,” Sen. Capito said.
“Seniors across the Cowboy State rely on Medicare, but too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of timely care,” Sen. Lummis said. “I am proud to join my colleagues across the aisle to streamline the prior authorization process and put patients over paperwork.”
“Excessive administrative burdens within the Medicare Advantage program means too many seniors receive delayed benefits, while our health care providers are overwhelmed by paperwork. The current system isn’t working well for anyone, and it’s time we take meaningful action to fix it. This commonsense legislation is a necessary step in the right direction,” Sen. Hyde-Smith said.
“Health care providers handling mountains of paperwork takes up valuable time and can unnecessarily delay older folks’ access to the crucial care they need,” Sen. Kaine said. “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation to modernize and streamline health care processes to ensure that Americans covered by Medicare Advantage can more swiftly access care and empower health care providers to direct more of their time to their patients.”
“Quality, expedited medical care should always be within reach for seniors, and our providers deserve a system that helps them focus on delivering it,” Sen. Boozman said. “I’m pleased to join this bipartisan effort to end the inefficient process that delays Medicare Advantage beneficiaries’ evaluations and treatments while removing an unnecessary, bureaucratic burden on clinicians.”
“Doctors and health care providers are too often bogged down by unnecessary burdens, which can lead to delayed care and negative outcomes for patients,” Sen. Cornyn said. “By streamlining the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage, this legislation would cut red tape, improve enrollee experiences, and ensure seniors receive the timely care they deserve.
“Improving the prior authorization process will help seniors have quicker access to the health care they need and remove administrative hurdles for physicians,” Sen. Moran said. “This legislation would make commonsense changes to better support thousands of seniors in Kansas and remove the red tape that is costing doctors and patients valuable time.”
“Senior citizens have spent their entire lives contributing to our communities, and they deserve every resource to support their health and well-being,” Sen. Gillibrand said. “The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act will help cut through unnecessary red tape and ensure timely medical care is accessible to older Americans. Seniors should have reliable access to specialist care, mental health support, preventative services, and the treatments they need to live with dignity. I am proud to support this important legislation, and I pledge to continue fighting to expand access to quality, affordable, and timely health care for our seniors.”
“Seniors with Medicare Advantage plans should not have to endure unnecessary delays when seeking medical treatment, and sometimes even life-saving care,” Sen. Hirono said. “This legislation will help to reduce these arbitrary waiting periods, streamlining prior authorization processes to ensure that health care providers can treat and care for their patients in an efficient manner.”
“North Carolina seniors shouldn’t face unnecessary delays when trying to access the care they need through Medicare Advantage,” Sen. Tillis said. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that streamlines the prior authorization process, cuts red tape for providers, and ensures patients get timely access to treatment.”
U.S. Reps John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA-13), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
This legislation is supported by the Better Medicare Alliance, Humana, and 138 other health care organizations.
“Prior authorization helps keep health care costs low and ensures seniors are getting the most appropriate care. But the process should be easier. The changes put forth in this legislation are long overdue and will help ensure seniors can get the care they need without delay,” Mary Beth Donahue, President and CEO of Better Medicare Alliance, said. “We are proud to support this bill and thank Senators Marshall and Warner, and Representatives Kelly, DelBene, Bera, and Joyce for their leadership. We look forward to continued work on this issue with Congress and the Administration.”
“Humana’s job is to ensure our members have access to high quality, affordable healthcare. We support efforts in the House and Senate to move the Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act forward quickly,” Jim Rechtin, Humana CEO, said. “It is a common-sense approach to making healthcare easier by modernizing the prior authorization process.”
Background:
Prior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. However, the current system often results in multiple faxes or phone calls by clinicians, which takes precious time away from delivering care.
Prior authorization continues to be the number-one administrative burden identified by health care providers, and nearly three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to the practice.
The bill would codify and enhance elements of the Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes (e-PA) rule that was finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on January 17, 2024.
Last Congress, the bill was supported by a super majority of members in the Senate (60) and a majority in the House (232), and was unanimously passed by the House in 2022.
In 2018, the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75% of requests that were originally denied.
In 2022, the HHS Office of Inspector General released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules.
The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act would:
Establish an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans, including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
Increase transparency around Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements and their use.
Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests, including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.
Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.
Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-prior authorization process.
Result in a zero cost to American taxpayers.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
READ MORE — CNN: After NIH staffing cuts, cancer patient in clinical trial worries she may lose crucial time; Washington Post: NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it.
Senator Murray: “If RFK Jr.’s mass firings weren’t having an impact on clinical care at NIH, he would provide those details and tell us which positions he’s eliminated. He’s not—because he knows that if he did, he would be caught lying. This isn’t just about Natalie, this is about the millions of Americans like her who are already being harmed by the destruction Secretary Kennedy is causing at HHS, or will be soon.”
****FROM TODAY – WATCH and READ: Senator Murray’s exchange with RFK Jr.***
***FROM LAST WEEK –WATCH: Senator Murray rebuts Secretary Kennedy’s claims about her constituent, Natalie***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s outburst during today’s Senate Appropriations hearing, where Secretary Kennedy repeatedly lied, dodged Senator Murray’s questions, and made a number of totally unfounded allegations, in particular relating to Senator Murray’s constituent, Natalie, who is suffering from Stage Four colorectal cancer and whose care was delayed as a direct result of the Trump administration’s staffing cuts across HHS. Senator Murray brought up Natalie’s story to Secretary Kennedy at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing last week; additional background on that exchange is below.
At the appropriations hearing today, Secretary Kennedy claimed to Senator Murray: “You told me two or three days ago, four days ago that we had cut a clinical trial in your state and it turned out what you said turned out to be completely untrue and you knew it was not true because you corresponded.” This was not at all what Senator Murray suggested or what happened. At the HELP hearing on May 14th, Senator Murray laid out how Natalie’s treatment in a trial at the NIH Clinical Center had been delayed by the staffing cuts, according to her doctors at NIH, and then she asked Secretary Kennedy directly how many staff were cut from the NIH’s Clinical Center. Video and transcript of their initial exchange on May 14th is HERE. A full transcript of their exchange today is available HERE.
“RFK Jr. is a shameless liar and a dangerous conspiracy theorist—he should have never been confirmed. As much as he lies and deflects, I’m not going to stop holding him accountable for the real harm he is inflicting on people in this country.
“Natalie’s care has been complicated, but here’s what’s not: her NIH doctor told her twice that her care was explicitly delayed due to NIH staffing cuts—specifically, that she would have to wait eight weeks rather than four to have her cells re-infused. On the question of credibility, I will trust an NIH doctor over an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist every day.
“After an initial contact with RFK Jr.’s office last Wednesday, it was complete radio silence with no answers until about an hour before today’s hearing. It should not take me raising this issue with RFK Jr. face-to-face to make sure NIH is working the way it’s supposed to.
“I still have no answer about how many NIH clinical staff have been fired. I still have no answer why Natalie was told by her NIH doctor that her care was being delayed due to staffing cuts. For weeks, my staff has been demanding answers about agency staffing cuts.
“Meanwhile, my staff has been in constant touch over the past three weeks with dedicated career staff at NIH and FDA—the same people the Trump administration is trying to push out the door—to address Natalie’s case. But it has been no thanks to RFK Jr. or HHS political leadership.”
“If RFK Jr.’s mass firings weren’t having an impact on clinical care at NIH, he would provide those details and tell us which positions he’s eliminated. He’s not—because he knows that if he did, he would be caught lying. This isn’t just about Natalie, this is about the millions of Americans like her who are already being harmed by the destruction Secretary Kennedy is causing at HHS, or will be soon.”
__________________________________
At last week’s HELP Committee hearing with Secretary Kennedy, Murray grilled Kennedy on the Trump administration’s moves to slash staff and block funding at the National Institute of Health (NIH), and laid out how is affecting one of her constituents, Natalie Phelps of Washington state: “One of my constituents, Natalie Phelps—a mom of two from Bainbridge Island in Washington state. She has been fighting aggressive Stage Four colorectal cancer for nearly five years now. Her best hope now is a clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center. She flew out to the NIH just a few weeks ago for her first appointment, and her care team wanted her to come back in four weeks to start treatment. But because of the thoughtless, mass firing of thousands of critical employees across NIH and HHS that you have carried out, Natalie’s doctors at that clinical center have told her that they have no choice but to delay her treatment by an additional four weeks. Now, an extra four weeks may not sound like a long time but, I will tell you, for Stage Four cancer patients like Natalie, this could mean the difference between life and death.” Video of the full exchange between Senator Murray and Secretary Kennedy is available HERE.
Later in the hearing, Secretary Kennedy asserted that Natalie was ineligible for her clinical trial and called her story a “canard,” saying: “Senator Murray had raised the issue of a constituent of hers who she said had been denied a place in a clinical trial in Washington due to the RIF. We’ve been able to run down that case. The patient was medically ineligible for that trial. It had nothing to do with the RIF. And NIH has been trying to get her into another clinical trial, but none of our clinical trials have been shut down because of the RIF. That was a canard.”
Senator Murray returned to the hearing to respond directly to Secretary Kennedy: “Secretary Kennedy came back and said my constituent, who I spoke about earlier, [her care] was not delayed by staffing cuts. First off, she is already enrolled in that clinical trial. It’s not a question of eligibility—the issue, as I stated clearly, was the delay in care that she got. And what you stated, Secretary Kennedy, is not true.”
“I spoke with Natalie, actually, last night. She asked her NIH doctor directly why, when she was informed of the delay, and her doctor at NIH said very plainly TWICE: her care was delayed because of staffing cuts. And Mr. Chairman, I think it’s important for the record to show, my staff has put in inquiries with HHS leadership and they’ve been unresponsive so far.And, just to make clear, this is just one case of many. But those are the facts,” Senator Murray said.
Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.
In particular, Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and pushed out nearly 5,000 NIH skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments.
Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.
Senator Murray’s opening remarks at today’s hearing, as delivered, are below:
“Secretary Kennedy—things are not going well. It is clear what you are doing across HHS is devastating to children, families, seniors, and the millions of Americans HHS programs support.
“You were required to send us an operating plan detailing how you’re spending funds that Congress provided for programs families rely on. You sent us what you titled the ‘Hill Version,’ which had over 530 asterisks in place of funding levels.
“Mr. Secretary, we need the real version with actual funding levels. This committee needs to know how you are spending taxpayer dollars right now—and what programs you’re cutting and eliminating.
“You are blocking billions in funding that Congress appropriated from going out the door, including $3 billion at NIH, and $1 billion in Head Start and $3 billion in child care funding alone.
“And that’s on top of all of the other funding you’ve illegally ripped away: $11 billion from state and local health departments, $1 billion supporting local substance use and mental health programs, and $66 million in Title X funds for cancer screenings, birth control, and preventive care.
“You are dismantling HHS, throwing away generations of investments in our health care system and firing critical employees. We’re talking about the people who administer Head Start, LIHEAP, and Meals on Wheels. Or entire teams working on preventing chronic disease and Alzheimer’s, tracking IVF success rates and safety, maternal health, and much more.
“On top of all of this, you propose a budget with truly devastating cuts that would leave America sicker and weaker.
“But you’re not waiting to see whether Congress approves that budget proposal. This administration is starting to unilaterally implement it right now—in defiance of Congress and the laws we have passed. If you aren’t already, you are sprinting down the road of illegally impounding billions in funding, through intentional action and through incompetence.
“To my colleagues on this dais: We heard several weeks ago, what we risk by ceding American leadership on biomedical research. If we bless these staffing and funding cuts across HHS, that means deciding we are comfortable with China leading the future development of every drug, device, and vaccine. The supply chain challenges we faced during the pandemic will be the new normal. Our access to the latest treatments and cures will depend on other countries.
“It’s time to stand up and assert Congress’ authority. This Committee has dedicated itself in a bipartisan manner over decades to make sure we are the global leader in research and development. And now all of us know this administration is setting us back where it may take decades to regain that position.
“If we don’t, decades of scientific breakthroughs and medical discovery—and the bipartisan work to support them—risks being burned to the ground, and it will be very hard to rebuild.”
GREAT FALLS – A Texas man who failed to register as a sex offender was found guilty by a federal judge today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Following a bench trial, Tracy Allen Reilly, 60, was found guilty of failure to register as a sex offender. Reilly faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for October 1, 2025. Reilly will remain in custody pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in 1995, Tracy Allen Reilly was convicted in Texas of aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced to 20 years in custody. He discharged from custody in 2014 and was instructed to register as a sexual offender for the duration of his life. In July 2018, Reilly was convicted of another felony in Texas for violating sex offender registration. After he was released from custody on that sentence, Reilly signed additional registration forms in 2022 and in June of 2023.
Reilly moved to Montana sometime in the fall of 2023. Before he moved, he was informed he would be required to register as a sex offender in Montana. Once in Montana, Reilly camped on federal land around Homestake Lake in Jefferson County. In October 2023, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office contacted Reilly and advised him he was required to register as a sex offender.
In November 2023, an officer with the U.S. Forest Service was patrolling the Homestake area and made contact with Reilly. The officer learned Reilly was a non-compliant sex offender, and when the officer again encountered Reilly in January 2024, he told Reilly he needed to register. Reilly never registered as a sex offender in Montana.
On November 6, 2024, the Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Reilly with failure to register as a sex offender, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). Reilly was arrested in December 2024.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)
WASHINGTON –The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 1147, the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act. This legislation, introduced by Congressman Valadao earlier this Congress, would make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) more accessible for our disabled veterans by establishing a permanent advisory committee within the VA to allow for direct and regular communication with the Secretary on behalf of disabled veterans. Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) co-led this legislation.
“I’m proud to see the House pass my Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act with strong bipartisan support,”said Congressman Valadao.“This bill gives disabled veterans a permanent voice at the highest levels of the VA, ensuring that their experiences help shape the policies, services, and facilities they rely on. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we have a responsibility to remove the barriers that stand between them and the care they’ve earned, and this bill brings us one step closer to fulfilling that promise.”
The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act:
Requires the VA Secretary to create a permanent advisory committee on issues related to the accessibility of VA benefits, services, and facilities for veterans and employees with mobility impairments, hearing, visual, cognitive, or other disabilities.
Eliminates an inactive Department of Veterans Affairs advisory committee not established by Congress, consolidate two smaller committees, or recommend the termination of an inactive committee established by Congress to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs.
Would be composed of 15 individuals including disabled veterans, experts, employees, and veteran service organization representatives.
Provides informal consultations and advice to the Secretary and other VA officials, as well as formal reports.
Read the full bill here.
Prior to the vote, Congressman Valadao spoke on the House floor to urge passage of the bill. You can watch his full remarks here or read them as prepared below:
I urge my colleagues to support the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act, which would make the Department of Veterans Affairs more accessible for our disabled veterans.
Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits and services they’ve earned.
Sadly, too many disabled veterans face unnecessary obstacles in accessing care because of avoidable barriers at the VA.
This bipartisan bill would create a permanent advisory committee within the VA made up of disabled veterans, experts, and advocates who understand these challenges firsthand.
This committee will give our veterans a direct line to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs—ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are prioritized.
This is a commonsense, bipartisan step to improve oversight, enhance accessibility, and uphold our nation’s commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed so much defending our freedoms.
I want to thank Chairman Bost and his staff at the Committee on Veterans Affairs for their work on this important bill to make the VA more accessible for the disabled veterans it serves.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)
ICYMI: Stefanik Joined Mornings with Maria on FBN to Speak About Enacting President Trump’s Agenda, Harvard’s Ties to China, and Joe Biden’s Health Scandal | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
“Donald, there is nothing beautiful about making people sicker, poorer, and more vulnerable. And that’s exactly what this bill would do.”
Republican Reconciliation Bill Would Rip Away Healthcare and Food Assistance from Millions, Harm Everyone Especially Black and Brown Communities
Video (YouTube)
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) co-hosted a press conference with Color of Change to oppose the Republicans’ cruel and harmful budget reconciliation package, which would gut critical programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to fund billions of dollars in new tax giveaways straight into the pockets of Trump’s billionaire friends. The bill is estimated to cause 14 million people to lose their healthcare and raise costs for millions more. It would also make the largest cuts to food assistance in American history, taking food away from millions of children, seniors, veterans, and folks with disabilities.
Across Massachusetts, over955,000 Medicaid enrolleesare at risk of losing healthcare coverage under MassHealth, the Commonwealth’s Medicaid program, due to the bill’s work reporting requirements for Medicaid. In the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District, approximately 135,000 enrollees would lose coverage.
Republicans’ extreme budget plan also threatens the approximately 1,216,000 people in the Commonwealth who depend on SNAP to put food on the table, including 187,000 people in the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District.
Congresswoman Pressley was joined by Representatives Summer Lee (PA-12), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Alma Adams (NC-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), and Rashida Tlaib (MA-12), as well as Color of Change’s Interim Executive Director Portia Allen-Kyle, Families over Billionaires’ Campaign Director Michael Linden, and advocates from Color of Change.
A transcript of the Congresswoman’s opening remarks, as delivered, is available below, and the full video is available here.
Transcript: Pressley, Color Of Change Host Presser Opposing Medicaid Cuts for Trump’s Billionaire Handouts U.S. Capitol May 20, 2025
Good afternoon everyone!
Thank you for joining us. It is so good always to be surrounded by what I consider to be movement family. I am immensely proud to be partnering with Color of Change as we demand that Republicans take their hands off our healthcare, hands off our food assistance, and hands off other essential, life-saving programs.
Thank you to Portia, for standing in the gap in such a time as this. Thank you for the indefatigable efforts of the entire team at Color of Change, to the folks here today who are opening their hearts to share their stories with us all.
And thank you my colleagues, Representatives Lee, Brown, Adams, Amo and Tlaib for their partnership and to our friends at Families over Billionaires for the work you do each and every day.
We stand here today because Republicans are trying to gut Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential, life-saving programs so they can line the pockets of billionaires including Elon Musk and Donald Trump.
Donald Trump is stealing from the poor, the elderly, the vulnerable and everyday working families to line his own damn pockets.
This is the great Republican ripoff.
These attacks are precise, intentional, targeted.
They mean harm to everyone who calls this country home, beginning with our most vulnerable.
They’re coming for our veterans, our elders, and folks with disabilities.
They’re coming for those in need of life-saving medications for chronic diseases like asthma, high blood pressure, and dementia.
They’re coming for babies who need formula, parents who are just trying to put food on the dinner table.
And of course, they mean to harm our Black and brown communities who stand to be the most impacted by these devastating cuts.
Medicaid is essential healthcare. About 1 in 5 Medicaid enrollees are Black.
SNAP is essential food for families. 20% of Black households have faced food insecurity in recent years, compared to 7% of white households.
As the saying goes, when the rest of America gets a cold, Black folks get pneumonia – and this bill is certainly a testament to that.
I represent the Massachusetts 7th, a district that is vibrant, diverse, dynamic, one of the most unequal in this country, and was one of the hardest-hit Congressional districts by the first Trump occupancy.
And we have every reason to believe that this will be the case again in the second occupancy of the Trump White House.
Donald Trump was up here today threatening his caucus to fall in line behind his “one big, beautiful bill.”
Donald, there is nothing beautiful about making people sicker, making people poorer, making people more vulnerable. And that’s exactly what this bill would do.
Nearly 14 million people kicked off their healthcare. Food ripped out of the mouths of millions of children, seniors, veterans, and folks with disabilities.
I mean seriously, the only people who’d benefit from this bill are toy spaceship billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump himself.
The cruelty is the point.
Republicans know exactly how cruel and unpopular this bill is. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be trying to move it forward under the cover of night at 11 o’clock on a Sunday or 1am on a Wednesday, like they’re doing this week.
You know, Donald Trump and Republicans would love for us to stop fighting back.
Donald Trump’s a dictator. A dictator wants a citizenry that is uninformed, that is indifferent to the suffering of its neighbor, and that is inactive.
They would love for us to cede this dark, dystopian vision that Donald Trump has for America as an inevitability.
But it is not. And the only way to beat a dictator is with defiance.
Our colleagues in the House across the aisle, you know, I’m asked all the time if there are opportunities for bipartisanship, to which I respond, “where is the party for bipartisanship?”
This is just a cult of cowards who have been complicit in wholesale harm. Just a cult of cowards.
And the only way to beat a dictator is with defiance.
So that’s what brings us here today. We won’t back down, not for a second.
And Medicaid, SNAP, Head Start and the VA – these programs aren’t just line items in a budget.
They are lifelines. They are lifelines. Policies determine who lives, who dies, who survives, who thrives.
Samsung Electronics today announced the addition of new pieces from Disney’s iconic portfolio to the Samsung Art Store,1 offering TV users worldwide a stunning new way to enjoy beloved visuals from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic — all in crystal-clear 4K resolution.
“We’re thrilled to expand our collaboration with Disney to offer their most beloved artwork to our global community of Art Store users,” said Heeyeong Ahn, Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “By offering a diverse range of artistic content that transcends genres and generations, we aim to enrich the everyday lives of our users with art.”
The new Disney Collection transforms living rooms into immersive digital galleries, featuring classic and contemporary works that celebrate storytelling, adventure and the beauty of our planet. From the heartwarming tales of Disney princesses from films like “The Little Mermaid,” “Snow White,” and “Tangled” to the legendary “Star Wars saga” and the breathtaking wildlife of “Planet Earth,” the collection also offers fans a chance to discover new favorites — all through the lens of stunning digital art.
Samsung Art Store, a global digital art subscription platform available on Samsung TVs, now offers over 3,500 curated artworks from more than 800 artists and 70 world-class galleries and museums. First launched in 2017 with The Frame, the Art Store experience is now available on 2025 Samsung AI-powered Neo QLED and QLED TVs,2 giving more viewers access to premium art in 4K resolution.
In addition to this latest Disney collaboration, users can easily enjoy masterpieces from world-renowned museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Musée d’Orsay, as well as a variety of contemporary and modern artworks showcased at Art Basel, from the comfort of their homes. The service also includes curated selections handpicked by professional art experts on a monthly basis, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
For more information, visit www.samsung.com.
1 The Disney Collection is now available in selected countries across Asia, North America (including the United States and Canada), and Europe, where the Samsung Art Store is supported.
2 For models Q7F and above.
A foreign national was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $3.2 million through a sham durable medical equipment company.
According to court documents, Julian Lopez, 55, a citizen of Cuba who resides in Miami-Dade County, Florida, obtained Medicare beneficiary identification cards and sold Medicare beneficiaries’ personal information to a durable medical equipment company, One Medical Services. Lopez knew the Medicare identification cards he obtained would be used to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare. One Medical Services used the information from Lopez to bill Medicare for orthotic braces that were never provided to the Medicare beneficiaries. In connection with the scheme, One Medical Services submitted and caused the submission of over $3.2 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary DME.
Lopez pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud in February 2025. At sentencing, he was also ordered to pay $1,496,412 in restitution.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis and Trial Attorney Owen Dunn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
WASHINGTON — On May 19, a federal judge sentenced three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang who were convicted at trial of a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy that included multiple murders, drug trafficking, fraud, and robbery.
Francis Clement, 58, was found guilty by a jury in February of RICO conspiracy and five separate counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Each of these murders was committed while Clement was in state prison. Clement was sentenced to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The jury also found Kenneth Johnson, 63, guilty of RICO conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Johnson was also sentenced to life in prison.
A third defendant, John Stinson, 70, was found guilty of one count of RICO conspiracy. Stinson, who was already serving a lengthy prison sentence in the California state prison system, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2016 and 2023, Aryan Brotherhood members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, including murder, conspiracy to murder, fraud, robbery, and drug trafficking crimes. Johnson and Clement, who both held leadership roles in the gang, directed crimes committed by Aryan Brotherhood members both inside and outside of prison using cellphones that had been smuggled into prison. Because of his rank in the gang, Clement received a cut from the illegal drug sales and fraud schemes the Aryan Brotherhood committed. According to trial testimony, the Aryan Brotherhood regularly smuggled drugs, including methamphetamine, into prisons throughout the California prison system, which defendants and other gang members then sold to inmates.
In October 2020, Johnson and Clement together ordered one murder during the execution of which another individual was also killed. Johnson and Clement also ordered another murder of an individual who was subsequently killed. It was further proven at trial that in February 2022, Clement ordered the murder of an individual and the following month, in March 2022, Clement ordered the murder of two more individuals. For each murder, the killings were ordered because defendants believed the victims either violated gang rules or owed the gang money.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stinson was a high-ranking leader of the Aryan Brotherhood and had substantial authority over the enterprise, including sponsoring multiple individuals for membership, resolving disputes among members, and approving the murder of current and former members. During the investigation, Stinson used a contraband cellphone within his prison cell to conduct business on behalf of the Aryan Brotherhood. The jury heard some of these communications from Stinson through court-authorized wiretapped conversations. Evidence was presented that Stinson also engaged in drug trafficking, and that, given his position within the gang, he received a cut of illegal drug sales that took place in prison and out on the street.
“The convicted defendants led a notorious prison gang that committed ruthless murders, widespread methamphetamine trafficking, and perpetuated a culture of mayhem, fear, and disorder within the prison system that bled into the outside world,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Organized crime within the prison system, enabled by the use of contraband cellphones, endangers American neighborhoods by flooding streets with dangerous drugs. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue crime syndicates, like the Aryan Brotherhood and their facilitators, to ensure they go to prison and the harm they inflict on society ends once incarcerated.”
“Today’s sentences are yet another blow to the leadership of a violent criminal enterprise run from inside California prisons and spanning multiple counties and states,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “The Aryan Brotherhood has maintained its deadly influence over members, associates and others both inside and outside prison. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop these violent inmates from orchestrating their criminal activities from inside prison walls.”
“These sentences send a clear message: the walls of a prison do not shield violent gang leaders from justice,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The Aryan Brotherhood’s leadership operated a brutal criminal enterprise from behind bars — ordering murders, trafficking drugs, and fueling violence in our communities. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent gangs wherever they operate and hold their leaders accountable, no matter where they try to hide.”
The indictment in this case charged 11 defendants with RICO conspiracy and other crimes. There are five defendants awaiting trial and the three defendants have pleaded guilty.
This case was the product of an extensive investigation by the ATF, with assistance from the Office of Correctional Safety (CDCR), U.S. Marshals Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pomona Police Department, Torrance Police Department, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Stokman and James Conolly for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
SAN JOSE — Two California men pleaded guilty yesterday to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Lalo Valdez and Matthew Olson, both of Northern California, operated a San Jose-based health informatics and product development company that provided clinical care and technology services to clients in healthcare and academia. Valdez was the CEO and Olson the CFO. As such, both were responsible for the company’s operations, managed its internal books and records, signed checks on behalf of the company, and hired and fired employees. Both men also were responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the government each quarter. The timely payment of quarterly employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.
For every calendar quarter from the first quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2021, Valdez and Olson withheld these taxes from employees’ wages but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. Instead of paying over the taxes, Valdez and Olson used the company’s money to pay for country club memberships and season tickets to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.
During this same period, Olson also was one of the owners and operators of a day spa located in Saratoga, Calif. There, Olson was responsible for collecting and paying Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes to the IRS. From the second quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Olson collected but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms.
In total, Olson caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.1 million.
Valdez caused a total tax loss to the IRS of nearly $1.5 million.
Valdez and Olson are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green and Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
WASHINGTON – Kenneth Watts, 57, of Upper Marlboro, Md., and James Kinard, 47, of Temple Hills, Md., were found guilty by a federal jury today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and PCP in the DMV. The conspiracy also used firearms to protect their narcotics and the proceeds from their trafficking operation.
The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The jury found both defendants guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP. The jury also found defendant Kinard guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2025. Watts and Kinard each face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Watts has two prior felony drug convictions. Kinardhas a prior 1995 conviction for second-degree murder while armed and a prior 2016 conviction assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and related offenses. Kinard was on supervised release during the investigation in this case.
Three co-defendants pleaded guilty before the case went to trial on May 7.
Melvin Grayson, 51, of District Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine, more than 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and more than one kilogram or more of PCP. Grayson faces a minimum-mandatory sentence of ten years. He has two prior felony drug convictions from 1993.
Tyrone Ragland, 56, aka “Tech,” of the District, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram of PCP. Charles Cunningham, 58, of the District, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to their plea agreements, Ragland and Cunningham will be required to serve 15 years in prison. Cunningham has four prior felony drug convictions.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, officers with the Prince George’s County Police Department intercepted a package containing six kilos of PCP at a FedEx facility in Maryland. The officers set up a controlled delivery of the package and stopped defendant Kenneth Watts after he picked it up. In Watts’ cell phone, investigators found text messages linking Watts to the package and to co-defendant Melvin Grayson.
Through controlled purchases and wiretaps, evidence showed that Grayson distributed PCP, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The investigation also showed that defendants Ragland, Cunningham, Kinard and others conspired with Grayson to distribute the narcotics. In search warrants conducted at various residences, agents recovered four firearms, more than 2.5 kilos of PCP, more than 100 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $50,000 in cash.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Cross Border Task Force and the DEA Washington Field Office, with assistance from MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The Cross Border Task Force is a part of the FBI’S Safe Streets Initiative and targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar R. Mohanty and Iris Y. McCranie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Tuesday sentenced a purported auto mechanic from Arizona to 33 Months in Prison and ordered him to repay $1.37 million to his fraud victims.
Beginning in November 2019, Andres “Manny” Lopez, 37, defrauded customers of his Arizona company, All Performance Tuning and Diesel Repair LLC, by accepting money for vehicles, vehicle upgrades and parts with no intention of performing the work or turning over the vehicles. He also damaged some customer vehicles and loaned vehicles to others without the owners’ consent.
A Missouri victim who wanted to buy a vehicle for his mother wired Lopez $45,000 for a Toyota RAV4. Lopez falsely claimed that he’d bought the vehicle, and then provided a series of false excuses about why it was not being delivered. Lopez claimed delivery delays were due to product recalls and even impersonated the general manager of a Florida Toyota dealership in text messages to the client’s mother.
After Lopez was indicted in October of 2023, he defrauded another victim out of approximately $567,892.
Lopez used the money for personal expenses.
In a letter to the court, one victim spoke of Lopez’s pattern: “Promise… then a reason why I cannot meet that promise… then a new promise… then repeat the string (for years).”
Lopez pleaded guilty in February U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of wire fraud.
“For years, Andres Lopez lied to customers to line his own pockets. The lies and manipulation continued even after he had been charged for the crime and released on bond,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Today, Lopez earned every day of his prison sentence for victimizing people with his fraudulent business practices.”
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting case.
OAKLAND – Adesola Kehinde was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence.
Kehinde, 38, of Alameda, was charged by complaint in January 2024 and by information in May 2024. On Dec. 16, 2024, Kehinde pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). According to the plea agreement, Kehinde admitted that on Jan. 9, 2024, officers with the Alameda Police Department detained him while he was seated in the driver’s seat of his car, which was parked outside of his apartment building. At the time, Kehinde was on parole after serving a state prison sentence for human trafficking of a minor, threats with intent to terrorize, and robbery. Officers searched Kehinde’s car and located a loaded Glock pistol with one round in the chamber and six rounds inside the magazine inserted into the pistol.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín also sentenced Kehinde to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah Ross is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Alameda Police Department.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 308 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 725 PM EDT Tue May 20 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Northern Georgia Eastern Kentucky Far Southwest North Carolina Eastern Tennessee Far Southwest Virginia
* Effective this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from 725 PM until 200 AM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…A mix of supercell thunderstorms and clusters will spread generally eastward this evening into the early overnight hours. A few tornadoes may occur with this activity, and a strong tornado and isolated very large hail will also be possible with any sustained supercell. Otherwise, an increasing threat for scattered to numerous damaging winds appears likely as thunderstorms attempt to organize into a line later this evening. Peak gusts may reach up to 60-70 mph.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles north northeast of London KY to 20 miles southeast of Rome GA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 303…WW 304…WW 305…WW 306…WW 307…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean storm motion vector 26030.
…Gleason
SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 308 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 725 PM EDT Tue May 20 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Northern Georgia Eastern Kentucky Far Southwest North Carolina Eastern Tennessee Far Southwest Virginia
* Effective this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from 725 PM until 200 AM EDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…A mix of supercell thunderstorms and clusters will spread generally eastward this evening into the early overnight hours. A few tornadoes may occur with this activity, and a strong tornado and isolated very large hail will also be possible with any sustained supercell. Otherwise, an increasing threat for scattered to numerous damaging winds appears likely as thunderstorms attempt to organize into a line later this evening. Peak gusts may reach up to 60-70 mph.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles north northeast of London KY to 20 miles southeast of Rome GA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 303…WW 304…WW 305…WW 306…WW 307…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean storm motion vector 26030.
…Gleason
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW8 WW 308 TORNADO GA KY NC TN VA 202325Z – 210600Z AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 35NNE LOZ/LONDON KY/ – 20SE RMG/ROME GA/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM E/W /34NNE LOZ – 39NW ATL/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26030.
LAT…LON 37548292 34148405 34148580 37548475
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU8.
Watch 308 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
High (70%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (40%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (80%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed bills into law expanding mobility and operations across Colorado for food truck owners and operators, investing in environmental opportunities for youth, and protecting Colorado’s clean air by increasing building decarbonization standards.
Governor Polis signed HB25-1295 – Food Truck Operations, sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Mandy Lindsay, and Senators Dylan Roberts and John Carson.
“I’m excited that we are making it easier for food trucks to serve up delicious food in different cities and towns across the state. By getting rid of unnecessary regulations, Colorado’s talented chefs can bring more delicious food to your community,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis also signed the following bills into law increasing environmental literacy for Colorado’s youth, and improving Colorado’s air quality:
SB25-055 – Youth Involvement In Environmental Justice, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Junie Joseph and Jennifer Bacon
HB25-1269 – Building Decarbonization Measures, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Alex Valdez, and Senators Matt Ball and Cathy Kipp
“We all have a role to play in protecting this state we love for future generations and these bills help more young people get involved in improving our environment and reduce emissions from buildings in our state to improve Colorado’s air quality. I appreciate the sponsors for their work on these bills to support Colorado’s future,” said Governor Jared Polis.
The Governor also signed the following bills administratively:
SB25-155 – Legislation Inside Advisory Council, sponsored by Senators Gonzales and Ball, and Representative Clifford
SB25-176 – Sunset Commodity Handler & Farm Products Act, sponsored by Senators R. Pelton and Snyder, and Representatives Martinez and Winter
SB25-226 – Extending Spinal & Related Medicine Program, sponsored by Senators Amabile and Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Bird and Taggart
SB25-229 – Reimbursement for Community Health Workers, sponsored by Senators Kirkmeyer and Bridges, and Representatives Bird and Taggart
HB25-1113 – Limit Turf in New Residential Development, sponsored by Representatives Smith and McCormick, and Senator Roberts
HB25-1175 – Smart Meter Opt-In Program, sponsored by Representatives Lieder and Joseph, and Senator Rodriguez
Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
Today, United States Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, along with Congressman Ritchie Torres, released the following statement on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) decision to withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices:
“As New Yorkers, we know firsthand how destructive faulty lithium-ion batteries can be, causing hundreds of fires, including fatalities, just last year. These unregulated products have killed and injured innocent New Yorkers, while putting our public safety officers, especially our firefighters, in harm’s way. We were pleased with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s initial decision to begin the rulemaking process that would make the lithium-ion batteries safer. However, we are dismayed at their decision to withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking. We need the CPSC as a partner to help make critical progress in our fight to crack down on unregulated lithium-ion batteries, and we encourage them to reevaluate their dangerous and faulty decision.”
If enacted, the NPRM would start the process to finalize federal regulations for lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, and Congressman Torres authored the bipartisan Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, legislation that would establish the first federal safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices. The House of Representatives passed this critical legislation on April 28, 2025.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in e-bikes, electric scooters, and other micromobility devices, are often manufactured abroad without being subject to acceptable safety standards. As a result, they commonly cause explosions and fires that lead to property damage and loss of life. In New York City alone, the New York City Fire Department reports that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 1,000 fires since 2019, resulting in 523 injuries, 34 deaths and damage to over 650 structures. In 2024, there were 279 e-bike and e-mobility device battery fires in NYC, a dramatic increase from the 30 that occurred in 2019.
Last month, Gillibrand, Schumer, and Torres called on the CPSC to vote in favor of the NPRM on lithium-ion batteries as soon as possible in order to protect the lives of Americans who rely on e-bikes and e-scooters.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA, 14)
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has reintroduced her landmark legislation, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, a bold step to end the barbaric practice of so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors. This legislation, now designated as H.R. 3492, criminalizes genital mutilation, chemical castration, and all sex-change procedures performed on children.
The Protect Children’s Innocence Act strengthens and codifies President Donald J. Trump’s executive order banning gender transition procedures for minors. Together, this legislation and the President’s action send a clear message: the federal government will no longer tolerate the abuse and exploitation of children by the radical gender ideology of the Left.
“Left-wing activists and medical institutions are targeting America’s children with dangerous drugs, disfiguring surgeries, and permanent sterilization,” said Congresswoman Greene. “My bill stops the mutilation of kids and holds those responsible for performing or facilitating these barbaric procedures accountable.”
The bill is scheduled to be marked up in the House Judiciary Committee at 10 AM tomorrow, a critical step toward bringing it to the House floor for a vote.
When Congresswoman Greene first introduced this bill in 2022, she was joined by Chloe Cole, a courageous young woman who began “gender-affirming care” at age 13 and underwent a double mastectomy at 15. Chloe detransitioned at 16 and is now a vocal advocate for protecting vulnerable youth from irreversible harm. Watch Chloe’s powerful testimony here.
What the Protect Children’s Innocence Act Does:
Criminalizes any attempt to perform or facilitate genital or bodily mutilation or chemical castration on a minor, with up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a significant fine.
Bans all puberty blockers and cross-sex hormone treatments for children.
Provides no exemption for mental health disorders as justification for these procedures.
Defines “chemical castration” and “genital or bodily mutilation” with detailed legal clarity.
Exempts children born with certain rare genetic conditions, or who are experiencing medical emergencies as certified by a physician.
Cosponsors in the 119th Congress include: Crane, Finstad, Luna, Bice, Mary Miller, Crenshaw, McGuire, Kustoff, Biggs, Burlison, Tenney, Higgins, Brecheen, Nehls, Weber, Harris, Grothman, Hern, Collins, Ogles, Babin, Clyde, De La Cruz, Hageman, Owens, Palmer, Timmons, Norman, Max Miller, Steube, Jackson, Riley Moore, Comer, Gill, Baird, McDowell, Harshbarger, and Gooden.
Supporting organizations include the American Principles Project, Citizens for Renewing America, CPAC, Gays Against Groomers, Independent Women, and Moms for Liberty.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)
Washington, DC – Today, the House Financial Services Committee passed the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act (H.R. 3351), a bipartisan bill led by Reps. Young Kim (CA-40) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) to cut burdensome regulations hurting small business owners.
The Improving Access to Small Business Information Act would
amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions—like conducting field surveys—of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paper Reduction Act (PRA).
Rep. Kim spoke in Committee in support of the bill. Read her remarks below or watch HERE.
Thank you, Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters, for holding this important markup.
I also want to thank my colleague and friend, Representative Gottheimer from New Jersey, for co-leading H.R. 3351 – the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act – with me.
My bill is simple. The legislation would specify that activities, like conducting field surveys, carried out by the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation, are not a collection of information under the Paper Reduction Act (PRA). Currently, OMB’s approval process is prolonged and bureaucratic, which delays feedback collection from small businesses and their investors.
I am proud to represent Orange County which is home to over 100,000 small businesses. It takes grit, perseverance, and commitment to start with an idea and make it a reality. As a former small business owner myself, I remember often wondering if the government truly understood the way that its policies impacted small businesses.
Former Director of the Office of the Advocate, Martha Miller, said that “the Office went through ayearlong processjust to collect registration information for our annual forum and ask a few basic questions to understand the audience attending”. Our regulations are restricting the government from understanding the needs of small businesses.
The SEC’s Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation is the primary office charged with advancing the interests of small businesses and their investors. With the ever-changing economic and regulatory environment, the Office must be able to adapt quickly to the needs of small businesses and gather timely feedback to improve policy. H.R. 3351 reduces red tape and streamlines access to tools that the Office can utilize to gather more effective and timely data. The better information that the Office can gather, the better the SEC can respond, and the better off our small businesses will be.
I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 3351. With that, I yield the balance of my time.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)
WASHINTGON D.C. –Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus,Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)andCongresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03), announced the new Vice Chairs of the Caucus.Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01)will serve as the Democrat Vice Chair, andCongressman Nick Begich (AK)will serve as the Republican Vice Chair.
After selecting the Vice Chairs, the Representatives released the following statements:
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair for the Native American Caucus. It is our duty to ensure that the United States partners with and upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations. This bipartisan caucus is integral to that work and the fight to protect and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities across the country. I look forward to continuing to do this work in the 119th Congress,” saidCongresswoman Stansbury (NM-01).
“I am excited to welcome Representatives Begich and Stansbury to the leadership team of the Congressional Native American Caucus. With their help, Congresswoman Davids and I will be able to better educate and inform Members of Congress on the unique issues concerning Native Americans and the constitutional rights of tribes. I look forward to all working together on this vital mission, which will improve the lives of tribes across the country,” saidCongressman Tom Cole (OK-04).
“It’s an important moment for the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus as we welcome Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Nick Begich as new Vice Chairs. Their dedication to Tribal communities and commitment to bipartisan collaboration will help us continue advancing policies that respect Tribal sovereignty and improve the lives of Native people across the country,” saidCongresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03).
“I am honored to be selected as a Co-Vice Chair of the Native American Caucus. Representing Alaska – home to over 200 federally recognized Tribes – I recognize the importance of advocating for the voices of Alaska Natives in Congress and many of the challenges tribal communities face. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to advance lasting solutions that reinforce self-determination and well-being for Native Americans across the nation,” saidCongressman Nick Begich (AK).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in BMJ Open looks at the association between herpes simplex virus type 1 and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK:
“There’s an increasing amount of evidence that suggests our body’s response to certain viruses could put us at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in later life.
“These recent findings from a large study using US health records propose that infection with HSV-1 – a common virus that causes cold sores – may be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers also state that taking medicines to treat HSV-1 infections could reduce the risk, but this is still very early work and needs more investigation.
“Despite the large sample size, this research has limitations partly due to only using health records and administrative claims data. Most people infected with HSV-1 don’t have any symptoms so some infections might not have been recorded. Infections predating the information recorded are also not available. Although cases were matched with controls, diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stages, remains a challenge.
“The study authors found that some people receiving medicines to treat HSV-1 infections had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, however a lot more work is needed to unpick this.
“We know there are 14 established risk factors for dementia, and there’s not enough evidence to include infections in this list. This study doesn’t tell us if infections are causing the risk, it only shows an association. Further research is needed to understand what the underlying biology around this is.”
Prof Cornelia van Duijn, Professor of Epidemiology at the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, said:
“Again a carefully conducted study adding to the growing evidence that various common viruses may determine the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, in particular in the elderly (70+ years).
“Matching Alzheimer’s patients carefully with controls in the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus claims database, the study further shows that treating those with an active herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) infection with antiherpetic medication reduces the risk and postpones the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Smaller but significant effects are also seen for HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus (VZV). With many GPs and the population being unaware of the dementia related benefits of treating HSV infections and preventing VZV activation through vaccination, it is time to call for actions informing those working in primary care as well as the population at large.”
Dr David Vickers, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada, said:
“Declining HSV-1 rates in the U.S. since the late-70’s challenge the authors’ claim that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will surge without intervention. This pharma-funded research exaggerates the role of HSV-1, failing to appreciate its absence in 99.56% of AD cases. The observed 17% hazard reduction with antiherpetic drugs translates to a mere nine-month delay in AD onset, offering no meaningful relief to the US$305 billion costs for treatment.
“The study’s data source makes its findings ungeneralisable, and it overstates a minor infection as a ‘public health priority’ to justify unnecessary treatment.”
Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said:
“This study reports that diagnosis of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is associated with increased risk of diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia. Scientists examined data from almost 700,000 people in a medical insurance claims database and found that in addition to an increased proportion of people with Alzheimer’s disease having a diagnosis of HSV-1, people with HSV-1 who were treated for the viral infection with “antiherpetic” medication were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who did not have treatment.
“This is a well-conducted study adding to strong data in the field linking HSV-1 and other viral infections to increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but it is important to note that HSV-1 infection, which is extremely common in the population, is by no means a guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimer’s.
“Why viral infections may increase risk of dementia is not fully understood, but the most likely explanation is that infections increase inflammation in the body and contribute to age-related brain inflammation. More research is needed to understand the best way to protect our brains from Alzheimer’s disease as we age, including a better understanding of links between viral infection and Alzheimer’s risk.”
Dr Richard Oakley, Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“This study adds to the growing interest in a possible link between the virus that causes cold sores and Alzheimer’s disease. Results from this observational study suggested that people with recorded cold sore infections were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and interestingly those prescribed antiviral drugs had a slightly lower risk.
“But this doesn’t prove that cold sores cause Alzheimer’s disease, or that antivirals prevent it. The data came from insurance records, often based on self-reported symptoms which may miss or misclassify infections, and didn’t track how often people had cold sores or how consistently they took medication.
“Much more research is needed to explore exactly how viruses might be involved and before we can draw firm conclusions. It is critical we explore every avenue to understand the complex causes of the diseases which cause dementia – infections are a growing area of interest.
“If you are worried about a cold sore or your general health, be sure to seek the appropriate help from a health professional.”
From the Spanish SMC:
Prof Alberto Ascherio, Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (United States) and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, said:
“This is a high-quality study that stands out mainly for its sample size. The results confirm previous findings that people with a history of cold sores have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and that this risk appears to be reduced in people who receive antiviral treatment.
“This is an observational study based on electronic data of varying quality, so the conclusions cannot be considered definitive. For example, the vast majority of cold sore episodes are not reported in medical records, so the study’s conclusions apply to a highly selected subgroup of individuals with clinical episodes of cold sores, perhaps due to clinical severity or the presence of other factors. For this reason, it would be premature for people with cold sores to worry about having an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is growing evidence that viral infections may affect the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and it is important to initiate more definitive research.”
From the Australian SMC:
Prof Ashley Bush, Clinical Lead Mental Health Mission at The Florey, Australia, said:
“This is an important, large, case-control epidemiology study that shows that people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or with other Alzheimer-like dementia (e.g. fronto-temporal dementia) are substantially (about 80%) more likely to have been infected with the viruses that cause cold sores, genital herpes, chicken pox or shingles. Further, people who were taking antivirals for cold sores were 17% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease over a 15 year period.
“These findings come in the wake of another recent report1 that showed that shingles vaccination decreased the probability of a new dementia diagnosis during the follow-up period of 7 years by 2%. Some scientists like Prof Ruth Itzhaki in Manchester and the late Rob Moir at Harvard have proposed that dementias like Alzheimer’s are provoked by viral infection. Herpes virus lives dormant in nerve cells, and it is thought that the pathology of the dementia is brought about by a defence to these infection gone wrong.
“It is unlikely that viral infection can explain all causes of dementia, but these recent papers implicate the infections are playing a role in accelerating these diseases. It certainly encourages more research in this direction and as to whether lifelong antivirals should be considered as preventive therapy for people who have had one of these infections.”
1(Pomirchy M, Bommer C, Pradella F, Michalik F, Peters R, Geldsetzer P. Herpes Zoster Vaccination and Dementia Occurrence. JAMA. 2025 Apr 23; Epub 2025 Apr 23)
Prof Brenda Gannon, Professor of the Health Economics of Ageing at the University of Queensland, said:
“This research provides further evidence for the link between the common cold sores from HSV1 and Alzheimer’s Disease. The study now proposes that people with HSV who are treated with anti-viral medicine are less likely to develop AD. Using large scale administrative data from the US, the findings are suggestive of a protective effect of anti-viral treatment. This could be beneficial for Australians who suffer from the common cold sores and who would benefit from anti-viral treatment for their cold sores. It does not mean it could reduce the probability of AD.
“Further research would be required to ensure the study is more widely representative, since the authors note that not all populations are included in the data, e.g. those over 65 who receive free health care (Medicare). The study does not provide detail on who may benefit, for example does it help disadvantaged groups more, and who does it work together with other non-pharmacological treatments for lifestyle improvement.
“Overall, the study indicates some potential, but much more research would be required to determine if the anti-viral therapies for people with cold cores, is in fact going to reduce their probability of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
“As the authors state, it does not indicate cause and effect, but they do find it a potential avenue to explore further.
“The study did not include public involvement – but inclusion of the public, even on an advisory capacity would be useful, to help design the research questions and relevant factors included in the study.
“From a health economics perspective, it is unlikely that anti-viral therapy would be funded for the Australian population, until further evidence on effectiveness in prevention and then cost-effectiveness overall, including additional use of health care resources, is provided. More details on the health and socio-economics status of individuals are also warranted, to help determine who may benefit from the therapy.”
‘Association between herpes simplex virus type 1 and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a retrospective case control study’ by Yunhao Liu et al. was published in BMJ Open at 23.30 on Tuesday 20 May.
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-093946
Declared interests
Cornelia van Duijn: “I receive funding from GSK (related to VZV vaccination) and NovoNordisk (unrelated to virus treatment/prevention), and have received funding from JNJ/Jansen Pharmaceutics (unrelated to virus treatment/prevention).”
David Vickers: “I have no interests or conflicts, financial or otherwise, to declare.”
Tara Spires-Jones: “I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.”
Ashley Bush: “I have no relevant conflicts.”
Brenda Gannon: “No COI”
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after Senate Republicans announced their plans to defy the Senate parliamentarian and force a vote to overturn California’s Clean Energy Air Act Waivers:
“If Senate Republicans force a vote on the California Clean Air Act Waivers, they set a precedent that will allow Congress to overturn nearly any agency decision nationwide. I urge my colleagues to reject this gross overreach. If they don’t, Congressional Review Act resolutions will quickly hijack the Senate floor to retroactively invalidate agency permits, adjudications, and licensing decisions – actions that were never previously considered ‘rules.’
“We need a reliable energy permitting and approval system if we are going to meet our growing energy needs. But under Republicans’ proposal, Congress could invalidate permits for new oil and gas wells, established rights of way for transmission lines, and approvals of new LNG export terminals. That includes the Department of Energy’s recent approval of Commonwealth LNG’s application to export liquified natural gas. If not challenged immediately, a future administration could also submit Commonwealth’s authorization as a rule retroactively and halt the project years after it has begun construction.
“By opening this door, Republicans threaten to destroy our permitting and regulatory system, leading to higher energy costs for Americans and making it impossible for new developments to come online. Indeed, nearly every major and minor project the federal government touches could be stalled, creating significant uncertainty if not complete chaos. That is not what the American people want, and it cannot be what Senate Republicans want, either.”
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) grilled Billy Long, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), about his involvement in a tax fraud scheme in which he encouraged people to claim a fake Tribal tax credit. Long repeatedly failed to provide her with clear answers.
Long has close ties to Capital Edge and the White River Energy Corporation, which promoted Tribal tax credits that the IRS later confirmed do not exist. Long reported earning $65,000 for his work related to the scheme. Cortez Masto has repeatedly sounded the alarm about Long’s alleged participation in tax fraud. Last month, she called for a criminal investigation into this scheme, and last week, she demanded answers from the White River Energy Corporation. Long suddenly received thousands of dollars campaign donations from individuals employed by these companies shortly after he was nominated to serve as IRS Commissioner, which he used to pay off a personal loan to his campaign.
Cortez Masto pressed Long on his admission that he was involved in the scam, saying “In response to the question ‘How many Tribal tax credit referrals did you work on for Capital Edge and White River?’ […] you responded, ‘Less than ten close friends and acquaintances to Capital Edge.’ So, you did refer Tribal tax credits to individuals, correct?”
“I referred them to Capital Edge Strategies, yes,” Long replied.
“Knowing that they are illegal, and the IRS has said they are illegal, how do you stand here before this committee and tell the Chairman just a few minutes ago that you have no conflict of interest?” Cortez Masto asked.
Mr. Long did not provide a clear answer.
“We have asked the IRS to investigate these Tribal tax credits and the scam, and the companies that were involved, and some of the companies allegedly that were involved were [White River Energy Corporation], a company that you received compensation from,” Cortez Masto said. “How can you sit here today and say there’s no conflict knowing now that there is an investigation underway with the IRS and we’re asking them to look at this scam and it may involve a company that you are affiliated with?”
As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading voice fight fraud throughout her career. She sounded the alarm on increasing check fraud scams, which cost consumers millions of dollars each year. She introduced legislation to protect and support whistleblowers reporting wrongdoing to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and her bipartisan legislation to deter disruptive and potentially harmful phone calls and texts was signed into law in 2020.