Ron Wyden

A Senate inquiry accuses the Trump administration of softening policies on kratom and flavored vapes in exchange for donations from the tobacco and kratom industries. The investigation, led by Sen. Ron Wyden, claims these actions risk increasing youth addiction and requests responses from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Trump’s health secretary), Reynolds American, and Botanic Tonics by Aug. 31.

The Senate advanced legislation targeting Russia with expanded sanctions, a key priority for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with an 86-12 vote. The bill, backed by President Trump, faces remaining hurdles in the Senate and House, including tariff-related amendments from Sens. Rand Paul and Ron Wyden. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the bill's importance for pressuring Russia and signaling support to Ukraine.

Senator Ron Wyden urges CISA, OMB, and NIST to lead a federal initiative to eliminate outdated virtual private networks (VPNs) from U.S. government agencies. The call aims to address security vulnerabilities associated with obsolete technology.

Democrats criticized Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano for sending an electronic message they claim contains partisan and misleading statements about benefits from Trump's tax and spending cuts law. The law provides temporary tax deductions for seniors, which Democrats argue are misrepresented as tax cuts, while the Social Security program itself was not directly affected by the legislation.

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.

Senator Ron Wyden urges the Trump administration to pressure Canada against enacting a proposal that would use American technology infrastructure for surveillance. The legislation is described as 'weaponizing' U.S. tech for surveillance purposes.

Jay Clayton's confirmation hearing for director of national intelligence faces scrutiny over the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), with concerns about its effectiveness and politicization. Senators from both parties question the ODNI's role, citing past controversies involving Tulsi Gabbard and Bill Pulte, while Democrats seek to replace Pulte and Republicans aim to advance a spy law.

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.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) filed a Hatch Act complaint, accusing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of potential election interference. The complaint was sent to the Office of Special Counsel requesting an investigation.

Ron Wyden, a Senate Democrat, accused Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of violating the Hatch Act by urging Libertarian candidates in Iowa to drop out of congressional races. Wyden claims Kennedy's June calls aimed to influence competitive Iowa districts, potentially benefiting GOP candidates. The Libertarian Party of Iowa chair recorded one call, alleging Kennedy offered quid pro quo while avoiding explicit requests.

Senate Democrat Ron Wyden alleges Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. violated the Hatch Act by urging Libertarian candidates to exit Iowa's 2nd and 3rd congressional district races. The complaint claims Kennedy used his official position to influence elections, with Libertarian Party leaders alleging an effort to block third-party ballot access. Two Libertarian candidates were targeted in June 2023, with one removed from the general election ballot and the other appealing.

Senator Ron Wyden accused Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of breaking the law by urging third-party candidates to drop out of Iowa congressional races. The claim centers on alleged legal violations related to influencing political competition in the state.

Senator Ron Wyden alleges Robert F. Kennedy Jr. violated the Hatch Act by calling Libertarian candidates in Iowa congressional races to urge them to drop out. The Libertarian Party of Iowa claims these actions aim to suppress third-party ballot access, with one candidate removed from the general election ballot.

Two Democratic senators are questioning the credentials and conflicts of interest of members in a health care advisory committee led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mehmet Oz. The committee includes figures like motivational coach Tony Robbins and health care executives.

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.

Senator Ron Wyden has urged Senate leaders to retain the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act within the CLARITY Act as it moves to the Senate floor. The focus is on maintaining developer protections in the cryptocurrency-related legislation.

Sen. Ron Wyden is urging Senate leaders to include a provision protecting blockchain software developers in a broader crypto bill. The provision aims to preserve protections for developers working on blockchain technology.

Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and Ron Wyden are investigating whether Trump family companies are part of a DOJ settlement to resolve a lawsuit filed by President Trump. The probe focuses on whether these companies are included in the agreement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) canceled a contract with Penlink for ad-tech-based geolocation data after a congressional inquiry revealed over 340 searches using the tool. The pilot project, which provided location data through ad-surveillance technologies, was deemed ineffective. Sen. Ron Wyden praised the cancellation but urged Congress to pass legislation to regulate such practices.

Billionaire Leon Black testified before the House Oversight Committee, defending $158 million paid to Jeffrey Epstein, claiming he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities until 2019. Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, stated the payments were for legitimate services and denied allegations of wrongdoing. The committee is investigating ties between Epstein and influential figures.

Leon Black testified before the House Oversight Committee, defending his $158 million payments to Jeffrey Epstein, claiming he was unaware of Epstein's illegal activities until 2019. Black stated the payments were for legitimate services and denied any criminal wrongdoing.

Leon Black, co-founder and former chief executive of Apollo Global Management, paid $158 million to Jeffrey Epstein, defending the payments as legitimate for tax and estate planning. He appeared before the House Oversight Committee, denying any criminal wrongdoing as part of an investigation into Epstein's financial ties.

ATF canceled its contract for the Webloc surveillance tool after lawmakers and legal figures raised concerns about its use of commercial location data in criminal investigations. The tool, used by agencies like the U.S. military and ICE, bypasses warrant requirements, prompting legal debates over constitutional rights.

The ATF canceled a contract for the surveillance tool Webloc after lawmakers and others raised concerns about its legality in criminal investigations. The tool, which uses commercial location data, faced criticism for bypassing warrant requirements, and the ATF stated it no longer meets their needs.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives canceled its contract for Webloc, a surveillance tool using commercial location data for warrantless tracking, after concerns from Rep. Michael Cloud, Sen. Ron Wyden, and legal experts. The tool, made by Penlink, was used by various agencies but is now discontinued by ATF, with Wyden calling it a victory for constitutional rights.

Billionaire investor Leon Black is testifying before the House Oversight Committee regarding $158 million in payments to Jeffrey Epstein between 2012 and 2017. The payments were described as tax and estate planning services by a 2021 Apollo review, while Epstein was under investigation for sex trafficking. Other figures like Bill Gates and Richard Kahn have also testified about their ties to Epstein.

Billionaire investor Leon Black is testifying before the House Oversight Committee regarding $158 million in payments to Jeffrey Epstein, as part of an investigation into Epstein's network linked to sex trafficking allegations. A 2021 Apollo review stated the payments were for tax and estate planning, while Senate investigations suggest Epstein acted as a middleman for Black's payments to women.

Senator Ron Wyden accused the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of preparing to deport over 500 unaccompanied migrant children in its custody using an 'unprecedented legal framework.' Wyden claims the agency is targeting these children through an administrative process lacking statutory authority and urged HHS to suspend related efforts.

A U.S. senator warns the Trump administration is planning to rapidly remove over 500 unaccompanied migrant children, bypassing legal protections. The administration denies the claims, while the senator alleges the plan violates child welfare mandates and demands an immediate halt.

A U.S. senator warns the Trump administration is planning to rapidly remove over 500 unaccompanied migrant children, bypassing legal protections. The administration previously attempted a similar effort that was halted by a federal court. Health and Human Services denies the claims, calling them fearmongering.

Sen. Ron Wyden and 14 co-sponsors plan to introduce a bill capping out-of-pocket costs in traditional Medicare at $5,000, addressing concerns about beneficiaries facing unlimited expenses. The proposal aims to level the playing field between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, which have lower cost limits.

President Trump canceled the Senate confirmation hearing for his Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, linking it to the approval of Jamie McDonald as U.S. Attorney. Senate lawmakers were uncertain about the President's authority to cancel the hearing, with some confirming it would proceed despite his statement.

President Trump canceled a Senate hearing for his Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, stating it would not proceed until Jamie McDonald's U.S. Attorney nomination is confirmed. Lawmakers and aides were uncertain about the hearing's status, with some questioning Trump's authority to cancel it. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton later confirmed the hearing would proceed.

President Trump canceled the Senate hearing for his DNI nominee Jay Clayton until U.S. Attorney nominee Jamie McDonald is confirmed. Senate lawmakers and aides were uncertain about Trump's authority to cancel the hearing, with some stating it was unclear if the hearing would proceed. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton later confirmed the hearing would go ahead despite Trump's statement.

Senate Democrats are demanding the Department of Health and Human Services provide records related to changes in federal vaccine policy under the Trump administration. The inquiry focuses on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s restructuring of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), including the removal of previous members and replacement with individuals skeptical of vaccines.

Senate Democrats are seeking to force a vote to overturn a Trump administration rule affecting Affordable Care Act enrollment and costs, arguing it will increase out-of-pocket expenses and reduce coverage. The rule, which includes stricter income verification and higher cost limits, is opposed by Democrats who claim it harms consumers amid rising healthcare costs.

U.S. Senate Democrats Ron Wyden and Edward Markey have criticized the Trump administration for failing to refund over $145 billion in tariffs deemed unlawful by the U.S. Supreme Court. They demanded the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner expedite refunds to small businesses for tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Senate Democrats Ron Wyden and Edward Markey accused the Trump administration of delaying refunds for over $145 billion in tariffs ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has only refunded about $20.6 billion, leaving tens of billions unreturned, impacting small businesses that paid tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.