WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: * * * Blumenthal, Connecticut Delegation Introduce Legislation to Protect Small Farms [Hartford, CT] - Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), John Larson (D-CT-01), Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), and Jim Himes (D-CT-04) reintroduced the Save Our Small (SOS) Farms Act of 2025. This legislation improve  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 (TNSFR) -- The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, operating as the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, has proposed a significant round of deletions from the federal Procurement List, impacting dozens of products and one service previously supplied by nonprofit agencies that employ individuals who are blind or have other severe disabilities. The proposed action, published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2025, opens a public comment period as re  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Department of Defense issued the following news: * * * Contracts for April 3, 2025 ARMY Bechtel National Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $242,282,475 modification (P00284) to contract W52P1J-09-C-0012 to capture past contract overruns for the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. Work will be performed in Pueblo, Colorado, with an estimated completion date of April 3, 2026. Fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in t  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * Duckworth Statement Slamming President Trump's Newly Announced Tariffs That Will Raise Prices for Americans April 02, 2025 [WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump unveiled his latest round of tariffs--which will raise prices for Illinois families and farmers, disrupt supply chains and jeopardize American jobs:   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * Duckworth, Durbin, Schumer, Democratic Senators Urge AG Bondi to Appoint a Special Counsel to Investigate Trump Administration Signal Chat National Security Breach April 03, 2025 The Senators wrote: "These shockingly reckless breaches of security protocols for safeguarding sensitive and classified information clearly warrant an investigation into whether any of the government officials involved  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on April 2, 2025: * * * Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Hearing On Nationwide Injunctions During his remarks, Durbin criticized Republicans' recent attacks on judges, condemned President Trump's actions signaling he is above the law WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciar  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * Durbin Delivers Remarks On His Credit Card Competition Act At National Restaurant Association Conference April 02, 2025 Following his remarks, Durbin met with Illinois members of the National Restaurant Association WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered remarks and participated in a fireside chat at the National Restaurant Association's annual conference  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * Durbin Discusses Credit Card Competition Act With National Retail Federation April 03, 2025 WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Illinois members of the National Retail Federation (NRF) to discuss his bipartisan legislation, the Credit Card Competition Act. The legislation would enhance competition and choice in the credit card network market that is curr  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on April 3, 2025: * * * Durbin Questions Witnesses During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On Nationwide Injunctions Durbin questioned witnesses about the legal ramifications of President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship, his attacks on law firms WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * Durbin Speaks In Support Of Bipartisan Legislation To Impose Hard-Hitting Sanctions On Russia If It Does Not Negotiate In Good Faith To End The War In Ukraine April 03, 2025 Durbin: "As the President negotiates away Ukraine's freedom and America's credibility, Congress has an obligation and a Constitutional responsibility to act." WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate De  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * Durbin, Foster Introduce American Innovation Act April 03, 2025 As the Trump Administration continues to ax critical research funding, Durbin and Foster introduce legislation that would bolster research funding at five federal research agencies WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today reintroduced the bicameral American   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * Durbin, Rep. Kelly Introduce Bicameral Legislation To Update Laws Governing Licensed Firearm Dealers April 03, 2025 Current laws have not been updated in over 30 years WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today introduced the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to update the laws  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on April 2, 2025: * * * Durbin, Senate Judiciary Democrats Push For Hearing On Ed Martin's U.S. Attorney Nomination SJC Dems to Grassley: "Mr. Martin is a nominee whose objectionable record merits heightened scrutiny by this Committee... We respectfully ask that you schedule a hearing on his nomination" WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the following public communication dated March 17, 2025, from the Luminant Companies. Here are excerpts: * * * Comments of the Luminant Companies On EPA's Proposed Rule Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments; Correction 90 Fed. Reg. 4,707 (Jan. 16, 2025) 90 Fed. Reg. 4,635 (Jan. 16, 2025) EPA-HQ-OLEM-2020-0107 S  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following news release: * * * FACT SHEET: Trump Imperils Program to Help Working Americans Heat and Cool Their Homes Trump and RFK Jr. fired entire staff running LIHEAP--putting program that helps 6 million American households heat and cool their homes in grave jeopardy $378 million due to go out to help Americans avoid sweltering heat this summer now at risk Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 (TNSFR) -- The Federal Reserve System has announced the receipt of applications under the Change in Bank Control Act from individuals seeking to acquire or retain shares in two U.S. bank holding companies, with implications for control over community banks based in Illinois and Minnesota. The filings were disclosed in a notice published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2025. In Illinois, a broad coalition of individuals associated with the Mensching Family Group, based ac  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. House of Representatives conducted 18 committee hearings on April 1, 2025: * * * MEMBER DAY Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs held a hearing entitled "Member Day". Testimony was heard from Representatives Meeks, Costa, and Kelly of Illinois. * * * U.S. MILITARY POSTURE AND NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA Committee on Armed Services: Full Committee held a hearing e  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 4 -- The Illinois Department of Employment Security issued the following news on April 3, 2025: * * * Unemployment Down, Jobs Up in Majority of Metro Areas in February SPRINGFIELD - Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in eleven metro areas and increased in one for the year ending February 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, total nonf  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- President Trump sent 57 nominations to the Senate on March 24, 2025: Herschel Walker, of Georgia, to be Ambassador to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Alex Adams, of Idaho, to be Assistant Secretary for Family Support, Department of Health and Human Services. Stacey Feinberg, of California, to be Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Melissa Argyros, of California, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia. Kenneth Howery, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Kin  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following floor remarks on April 2, 2025: * * * Mr. President, one of the most important appointments of the President of the United States is a U.S. attorney. All across the United States, some 90 U.S. attorneys represent the Department of Justice. They do critical work, work that is essential for the safety and security of America. The announcement by this administration of Edward Robert Martin, Jr., to serve as U.S. atto  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following floor remarks on April 2, 2025: * * * Mr. President, since taking office 72 days ago, the Trump administration has created chaos in our economy. The President, if you will remember, campaigned on lowering prices for American families. Unfortunately, his policies and actions have done the opposite. Many families are worse off today than when he was sworn in. In February, egg prices, which has become a political st  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on April 3, 2025: * * * Durbin, Rep Kelly Introduce Bicameral Legislation To Update Laws Governing Licensed Firearm Dealers Current laws have not been updated in over 30 years WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today introduced th  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Senate conducted nine committee hearings on April 2, 2025: * * * SAFETY FIRST: RESTORING BOEING'S STATUS Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded hearing to examine restoring Boeing's status as a great American manufacturer, focusing on safety first, after receiving testimony from Robert K. Ortberg, The Boeing Company, Arlington, Virginia. * * * NOMINATIONS Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearin  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Six Bipartisan Bills To Lower Prescription Drug Prices April 03, 2025 WASHINGTON - This morning, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced six bipartisan bills to help lower the price of prescription drugs. U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement: "Families are s  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on April 3, 2025: * * * Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Six Bipartisan Bills To Lower Prescription Drug Prices WASHINGTON - This morning, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced six bipartisan bills to help lower the price of prescription drugs. U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, issued the following news release: * * * Senator Marshall and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Telehealth Access Washington - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) Peter Welch (D-Vermont), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), and 53 of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Creating Oppo  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released the following public communication dated March 18, 2025, from Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., Chicago, Illinois: * * * To: Mr. William Hohenstein Director, Office of Energy and Environmental Policy Office of the Chief Economist U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20250 RE: Comments on Docket No. USDA-2024-0003 * * * Dear Mr. Hohenstein: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) submits t  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released the following public communication dated March 18, 2025, from Clean Fuels Alliance America: * * * To: William Hohenstein Director, Office of Energy and Environmental Policy Office of the Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20250 Docket No. USDA-2024-0003 Re: Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks Interim Rule * * * De  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: * * * Warner & Kaine Announce Recommendations for U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today sent a letter to the White House recommending candidates for the U.S. Attorney vacancies in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) and the Western District of Virginia (WDVA). In their letter, the Senators recommend  more