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U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Merkley-Curtis Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act to Streamline Prescribed Burns

U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Merkley-Curtis Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act to Streamline Prescribed Burns

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA), bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT). This act aims to simplify the process for states to use prescribed fires, also known as controlled burns, as a tool for proactive forest management. The legislation seeks to reduce hazardous fuels, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and ultimately make American forests and communities safer and healthier. Senator Merkley emphasized that prescribed fire and cultural burning are crucial for mitigating wildfire threats, especially as climate change contributes to longer and more dangerous wildfire seasons. The bill also includes provisions to establish a 'Smoke Ready Communities Program' to help communities plan and prepare for smoke events, thereby protecting public health.

U.S. Representatives Introduce Legislation to Expand Fentanyl Response Resources for Law Enforcement

U.S. Representatives Introduce Legislation to Expand Fentanyl Response Resources for Law Enforcement

U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., along with U.S. Reps. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., and Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., have introduced the Fight Against Fentanyl Act. This legislation aims to amend the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program. The proposed change would allow state and local law enforcement agencies to utilize federal funding from the Byrne JAG program to acquire fentanyl testing kits and opioid reversal agents. The Byrne JAG program currently provides federal funding to state and local law enforcement jurisdictions. According to Congressman Kean, access to these tools is crucial for preventing overdoses and deaths, emphasizing the need to equip first responders in combating the fentanyl epidemic. Congressman Van Drew highlighted the unique deadliness of fentanyl, stating that a small amount can be fatal, and stressed the importance of a multi-faceted approach to the problem. Earlier this year, Kean also co-introduced the American Cooperation with Our Neig...

Senator Luján Supports Bill to Expand Financial Aid Access for Students with Disabilities

Senator Luján Supports Bill to Expand Financial Aid Access for Students with Disabilities

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) has expressed support for the Higher Education Grant Flexibility Act, a bill reintroduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). This legislation aims to expand access to federal financial aid for college students with disabilities who require reduced course loads as an accommodation. The bill would allow these students to remain eligible for the same amount of certain federal financial aid as full-time students, even if they are taking fewer courses. Senator Van Hollen emphasized that higher education opens doors to opportunities for students with disabilities, but many still face barriers to earning their degrees. The legislation has garnered support from several other senators, including Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

Counties Applaud Introduction of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act by Senators Crapo and Wyden

Counties Applaud Introduction of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act by Senators Crapo and Wyden

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has expressed strong support for the introduction of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act of 2026 (S.5608). This bipartisan legislation, led by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jim Risch, and Jeff Merkley, aims to reauthorize the SRS program for three years, extending its funding through fiscal year 2029. The SRS program provides crucial financial stability to over 700 timber-dependent counties across 41 states, enabling them to fund essential services such as roads, public education, and law enforcement. The program, first enacted in 2000, helps counties affected by reduced timber harvest revenues from federal lands.

Senator Murray Reintroduces Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women’s Health Act to Expand Cancer Screenings

Senator Murray Reintroduces Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women’s Health Act to Expand Cancer Screenings

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has reintroduced the Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women’s Health Act. This legislation aims to enhance access to preventive, life-saving cancer screenings, particularly for low-income women and women of color, at safety net healthcare providers such as Planned Parenthood. The bill proposes new grant and pilot programs to broaden access to services and screenings for breast and gynecological cancers. Additionally, it seeks to train healthcare providers in delivering high-quality cancer screening, early detection, and follow-up care. Senator Murray emphasized that early detection saves lives and healthcare costs, making investment in preventive services a common-sense approach. The bill is named in honor of Jeanette Acosta, a former congressional staffer and White House intern who passed away from cervical cancer at age 32 and was a fierce advocate for women's health.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolutions for Hawaiian History Month

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolutions for Hawaiian History Month

The Hawaii congressional delegation has introduced resolutions in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to designate September 2026 as Hawaiian History Month. The resolutions also aim to reaffirm the Federal trust responsibility to the Native Hawaiian Community. US Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced the Senate version, while US Representatives Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and Ed Case (HI-01) introduced the House version. These resolutions recognize the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native Hawaiians, including efforts to revitalize the Hawaiian language ('ōlelo Hawaiʻi), cultural traditions, and 'āina stewardship practices. The initiative also highlights federal programs that support Native Hawaiian museums, libraries, artists, cultural practitioners, and community organizations. Representative Tokuda emphasized the importance of this recognition, especially given current challenges to programs and institutions that sustain Hawaiian history, culture...

Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act

Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA), a bipartisan piece of legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT). Both senators are members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. This bill aims to streamline the process for states to use prescribed fires as a method for proactive forest management. The legislation seeks to reduce wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and enhance the safety, health, and cleanliness of American forests and communities. Senator Merkley highlighted that the bill includes provisions to establish the Smoke Ready Communities Program, which will provide resources for communities to plan and prepare for smoke events, thereby protecting public health and saving lives. Senator Curtis emphasized that preventing catastrophic wildfires requires giving land managers the necessary tools to reduce hazardous fuels before they ignite, and that prescribed fire is an effect...

Senate Passes Bill to End Penny Production, Heads to President Trump's Desk

Senate Passes Bill to End Penny Production, Heads to President Trump's Desk

The U.S. Senate has passed legislation, known as the Common Cents Act, that formally ends the production of the one-cent coin, commonly referred to as the penny. This bill now moves to President Trump's desk for his signature. The U.S. Mint had already begun phasing out penny production following an order from the Trump administration last year, with the last penny reportedly produced in November. President Trump has previously indicated his support for ending penny production, stating on social media that the U.S. has produced them for 'far too long.' The penny, first minted in 1792, has seen its utility diminish over time due to rising prices and the increasing prevalence of digital payments. Currently, it costs an estimated four cents to produce a single penny, making its continued production economically inefficient. The new legislation includes provisions for stores to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents as pennies are phased out. Some states, like New Jersey, have already introduced sim...

US Senate blocks bill to address data center costs

US Senate blocks bill to address data center costs

By Richard Cowan and Nichola Groom WASHINGTON, Sept 30 (Reuters) - The US Senate on Wednesday blocked legislation requiring state utility regulators to consider whether large electricity users, including data centers, should bear the incremental costs of power infrastructure built to serve them and

Palm Beach Post

Sun rise, sunset times in Palm Beach County after daylight saving ends

Sun rise, sunset times in Palm Beach County after daylight saving ends

Sunrise and sunset times in Palm Beach County and in Florida before, after clocks fall back in November. What to know on effort to lock the clocks.

Republican Senator Blocks Bipartisan Effort to Protect Kennedy Center from Demolition

Republican Senator Blocks Bipartisan Effort to Protect Kennedy Center from Demolition

A bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate to prevent the demolition of the Kennedy Center was blocked by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT). The bill, known as the "Protecting Presidential Memorials Act," was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and co-sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), along with Democratic Senators Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Chris Van Hollen. It aimed to require congressional approval before any federally designated presidential memorial, including the Kennedy Center, could be demolished. The bill was brought to the Senate floor for a unanimous-consent vote, a fast-track procedure that allows a bill to pass if no senator objects. Senator Lee, however, objected to the measure, preventing its passage. This action follows a controversial period where President Trump was photographed reviewing a poster that appeared to read "Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED," and his administration subsequently informed a judge that the institution needed to close due to "structural deterioration." Senator ...

Bill to limit stock trading in US Congress blocked in Senate

Bill to limit stock trading in US Congress blocked in Senate

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, Sept 30 - The US Senate on Wednesday blocked legislation placing new restrictions on stock trading by members of Congress, as Democrats refused to provide enough votes to advance the measure toward passage, arguing that it falls short of a full ban.