Richard Blumenthal

Congressional Democrats are investigating efforts concerning the deportation of U.S. military service members and their families, following an Associated Press report that found over 50 active-duty troops’ spouses and parents detained by immigration authorities. Lawmakers sent a letter to several departments expressing concern that apparent collaboration between DHS and the military imperils military readiness and weakens morale.

Congressional Democrats are investigating efforts by the Trump administration to deport military service members and their families, following an Associated Press report detailing detentions of over 50 active-duty troops' spouses and parents. In a letter sent to several agencies, lawmakers questioned potential coordination between DHS and the Pentagon on these deportation efforts, warning that such actions imperil military readiness and weaken service members’ morale.

The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously advanced the Kids Online Safety Act, which mandates online platforms prioritize children's safety and includes a 'duty of care' provision. The bill, led by Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal, contrasts with a separate House measure and excludes an age verification component due to lack of quorum.

Senate Democrats introduced the Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act to address concerns about presidential pardon abuse, including measures to treat pardon misuse as bribery, require financial disclosures from pardon recipients, and prohibit self-pardons. The bill targets actions by President Donald Trump, who has issued pardons to allies and donors, including individuals tied to election denial efforts.

The Senate is set to debate five bills addressing online privacy, AI, and children's safety, with the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) requiring platforms to exercise 'reasonable care' for minors' data and design. The bill, sponsored by Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal, faces opposition from some advocacy groups due to weakened provisions in the House version, while large tech companies supported earlier drafts. The markup also includes the SCREEN Act, which would require age verification for social media users.

President Donald Trump urges Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, while Democratic senators avoid endorsing its outright removal, advocating exceptions for specific measures. Lawmakers debate the filibuster's application, with some Democrats supporting its elimination for constitutional violations or voting rights legislation.

President Trump is urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, but Democratic senators oppose an outright removal, instead supporting exceptions for specific legislation. Republican lawmakers acknowledge the lack of votes to remove the filibuster, while Trump claims Democrats would eliminate it if they regained power.

Anthony Fauci was questioned by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, where Republicans accused him of causing the pandemic and profiting from it, while Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment rights over 100 times. Democrats defended Fauci, emphasizing his role in saving lives, and a separate hearing addressed cyberattacks on Minnesota water systems.

Senators advanced a Russia sanctions bill named after late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with bipartisan support. The legislation targets Russian leaders, energy sectors, and shadow fleets, while extending Iran sanctions. Despite concerns over expanded tariff authority for Trump, the bill is expected to pass the Senate but faces potential House resistance.

The Senate advanced a Russian sanctions bill with bipartisan support, marking the first step toward penalizing countries buying Russian exports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the vote and meetings with senators, emphasizing Ukraine's progress in its war with Russia and the importance of the sanctions as a moral and economic tool.

The Senate advanced a Russian sanctions bill with bipartisan support, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized Ukraine's progress in the war and the need for continued U.S. assistance. The legislation, negotiated by late Senator Lindsey Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, aims to penalize countries buying Russian oil and gas, signaling a bipartisan effort to pressure Russia.

The Senate advanced a Russian sanctions bill with a bipartisan procedural vote, supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his Capitol visit. The legislation targets countries buying Russian energy exports and follows a deal negotiated by late Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal.

The Senate advanced a Russian sanctions bill with bipartisan support, coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the Capitol. Zelenskyy urged continued U.S. support, emphasizing Ukraine's progress in the war and the bill's role in pressuring Russia economically. The legislation, negotiated with late Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, aims to penalize countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.

86 senators voted to advance a Russia and Iran sanctions bill led by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The bill includes 100% secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas and targets Russia's shadow fleet. It also renews sanctions on Iran.

The Senate advanced a bipartisan sanctions package aimed at Russia and Iran, fulfilling part of Sen. Lindsey Graham's legacy. The legislation targets Russian oil and gas sales, imposes tariffs on Russian imports, and includes sanctions against officials, with provisions for President Donald Trump to adjust aspects of the sanctions.

The Senate advanced a bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia and Iran, aiming to disrupt Putin's war funding by restricting oil and gas purchases and imposing tariffs. The bill, renamed to honor late Sen. Lindsey Graham, includes expanded sanctions against Iran and provisions for President Trump to adjust sanctions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy attended Graham's funeral and met with lawmakers to support the bill.

Lindsey Graham's funeral services in Washington, D.C., will be attended by world leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Senate is advancing a sanctions package against Russia, a key part of Graham's legacy, with bipartisan support and a procedural vote expected after his funeral.

Lindsey Graham's final journey in Washington includes tributes from world leaders and lawmakers, with a focus on advancing his sanctions package against Russia. The legislation, renamed to honor him, faces a procedural vote after his funeral services.

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal faces scrutiny after records revealed an illegal immigrant, Seyo Cecunjanin, registered to vote in Connecticut in 2018. Cecunjanin, under a deportation order since 1997, was released by the Biden administration in 2024 after returning from Serbia. Blumenthal and other Democratic officials advocated for Cecunjanin's release, which critics argue mocks immigration laws.

Congress is advancing a bill to ban retail nitrous oxide sales amid a 500% increase in nitrous-related deaths between 2010-2023. Rep. Kevin Mullin’s bipartisan Nitrous Oxide Safety Act aims to prohibit recreational sales while allowing medical and culinary use, while a Senate bill targets deceptive marketing practices.

Congress is advancing a bill to ban retail sales of nitrous oxide after a 500-percent increase in nitrous-related deaths between 2010-2023. The bipartisan Nitrous Oxide Safety Act aims to restrict recreational sales while allowing medical and culinary use. A separate Senate bill targets marketing practices of nitrous oxide products.

Darline Graham, appointed as interim South Carolina senator following her brother's death, may seek a full Senate term. Trump supported her appointment, and she has introduced a Russia sanctions bill with Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Potential GOP primary contenders include businessman Mark Lynch and Reps. Nancy Mace, Russell Fry, and Ralph Norman.

Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) are demanding Medicare Advantage insurers provide records and details about their use of AI to deny care. The bipartisan effort follows a government investigation revealing ongoing denials in the program, with lawmakers challenging insurers' claims of reducing barriers to medical services.

The Senate Intelligence Committee will hold a hearing for Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee to head intelligence agencies, weeks after his nomination was delayed. Republicans and some Democrats support Clayton over interim appointee Bill Pulte, while Democrats are expected to question him on election interference amid concerns about promoting baseless conspiracy theories.

The Senate Intelligence Committee will hold a hearing for President Trump's nominee Jay Clayton to lead U.S. intelligence agencies after weeks of delay. Republicans and some Democrats support Clayton over interim appointee Bill Pulte, but Democrats are expected to question him on election interference concerns, with some opposing his nomination.

Bipartisan senators are advancing the 'Sanctioning Russia Act' to impose sanctions on Russian oil purchasers, honoring late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The bill targets countries like China and India, which purchase most of Russia's energy, to hold Putin accountable for the Ukraine war.

Bipartisan senators are advancing a bill to impose sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil, aiming to hold Vladimir Putin accountable and support Ukraine. The legislation, named the 'Sanctioning Russia Act,' was shaped by late Sen. Lindsey Graham and targets major buyers like China and India, with no impact on European allies.

A bipartisan group of senators is advancing a bill to impose sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil, honoring late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The legislation targets China and India, major buyers of Russian energy, aiming to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for the war in Ukraine. The bill, introduced by Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, is expected to be voted on by August.

Senators are advancing a Russia sanctions bill targeting countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, with revised tariffs and exceptions for allies. The bill, a priority for late Sen. Lindsey Graham, includes sanctions on Putin and Russian entities, and aims to deprive Russia of war funding. Graham's colleagues seek to honor his legacy by passing the measure.

A bipartisan group of senators announced an agreement with the Trump administration to advance new legislation sanctioning countries that purchase Russian oil, aiming to pressure Moscow. The legislation, which faced prior resistance from the White House, now appears closer to approval after Trump's recent shift in stance on the Ukraine war.

Top Democrats on five Senate committees criticize President Trump for earning $1.3 billion from cryptocurrency, raising concerns about his influence on pending crypto legislation. Lawmakers are preparing a digital assets bill amid unresolved issues, while House GOP leaders face challenges in advancing legislation due to internal disputes.

Congress has not reached consensus on social media safety regulations for children, despite similar bans in countries like Australia and Indonesia. A House-passed online safety bill excludes a 'duty of care' provision opposed by Senate co-authors of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), and enforcement challenges like age verification remain unresolved.

Congress has not yet agreed on social media safety regulations for children, despite other countries implementing bans for teenagers under 16. The Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) in 2024, but the House version lacks a 'duty of care' provision, leading to uncertainty in final legislation. Legal challenges and enforcement difficulties, such as age verification bypasses, remain significant obstacles.

Congress has not reached consensus on social media safety regulations for children, despite growing international efforts to ban platforms for teenagers under 16. While countries like Australia and Indonesia have implemented such bans, U.S. lawmakers face legal challenges linked to the First Amendment. A House bill addressing online safety excludes a 'duty of care' provision, complicating Senate negotiations.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin and six Democratic senators wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding explanations for blocking eight Navy officers from promotions, citing concerns about political motivations and demographic impacts. The blocked officers included women and Black individuals, and Hegseth allegedly prioritized someone from his inner circle. The letter requested documentation on the criteria and legal basis for the decisions.

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, an Afghan national who fought alongside U.S. forces, died from an allergic reaction while in ICE custody. His death, ruled an accident, occurred after he was detained for deportation proceedings, sparking calls for transparency from advocacy groups and lawmakers.

Key Democrats Maria Cantwell and Richard Blumenthal urge the House to reject the House version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) due to concerns about tech company lobbying and risks to bipartisan efforts. They warn the Senate version may be compromised if the House bill is passed, which lacks key provisions like the 'duty of care' for children's online safety.

Senator Blumenthal is demanding Tesla be held accountable for an alleged self-driving crash. The incident was discussed during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on April 30.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani achieved primary victories against establishment candidates, sparking division within the Democratic Party. Progressive and establishment factions clash over governance strategies and electoral approaches ahead of the midterms.

A memorial at the U.S. Capitol honored 272 children and young adults who died due to social media-related harms, with families, lawmakers, and advocates calling for safer social media legislation. The event, held on Social Media Victims Remembrance Day, was organized by two mothers whose sons died in 2020 from incidents linked to social media.