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Visiting the Aurora ICE Facility
What’s happening: All of us have read the reports and witnessed the tragic consequences of President Trump’s cruel and inhumane immigration policies. These events would be terrible enough, but even as communities across the country struggle to pick up the pieces left in their wake, we have been forced to contend with another injustice: an administration that tries to convince us time and time again that what we have seen with our own eyes is not the truth.
What I’m doing: Yesterday, I conducted an oversight visit at the ICE detention facility in Aurora, Colorado, an obligation I take very seriously as a member of Congress. As this detention center nears capacity, and ICE pushes to open another, we need more oversight, not less. Everyday Kristi Noem is making it harder for us to visit detention centers. This lack of transparency and accountability has to end.
What I believe: As I have said repeatedly, the American people must be assured that ICE is subject to the same, common-sense practices we expect from well-functioning local law enforcement. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security needs new leadership, an overhaul of its operations, and accountability for breaking the law. I will continue to push for these guardrails and critical reforms.
2. Securing Funding for Colorado Projects
What’s happening: This week, I celebrated $141 million for 110 projects across Colorado that passed Congress through the congressionally directed spending (CDS) program in 2026. All of these projects are vastly different, but serve important purposes throughout our state. For example, one project will enable the purchase of state-of-the-art, disability accessible vehicles for the Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center. Another will support the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs as it digitizes and protects the history of Southern Colorado. One more will provide food to Summit County's workers, many of whom struggle to meet basic needs due to the high costs of living. I also helped secure funding for affordable housing development projects in Pueblo, Denver, Ouray, Carbondale, and Colorado Springs. These are just a few of the many examples from across Colorado.
What I believe: Since 2022, I have helped secure nearly $500 million for projects in Colorado through the CDS program. From expanding child care access to wildfire prevention to rural small business support, these projects will help Coloradans meet the needs of their communities.
3. Celebrating Health Care Wins
What’s happening: This week, six of my bipartisan health care bills became law:
- The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act improves access to life-saving care for children with complex medical conditions by simplifying out-of-state Medicaid screening and enrollment processes for pediatric care providers while retaining key safeguards to preserve the integrity of the program.
- The Requiring Enhanced & Accurate Lists of (REAL) Health Providers Act works to ensure Medicare Advantage plans maintain accurate provider directories and protect seniors from unexpected health care costs.
- The Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act helps create more timely Medicare coverage of innovative tests that can detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms develop.
- The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act will give children with cancer access to combination therapy trials and encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for rare pediatric diseases. The bill was named to honor Mikaela, a Pueblo teenager who tirelessly advocated for children’s access to cancer treatment throughout her brave battle with cancer.
- The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Act works to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births and infant mortality.
- The Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act will require the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study to increase transparency in the drug pricing supply chain to shine a light on inflated drug pricing.
What I believe: My six pieces of bipartisan legislation will help cut red tape, advance cancer research and diagnosis, increase transparency on drug pricing, and offer critical protections for seniors, expectant mothers, and children. I was glad to see the President sign them into law so Coloradans are better able to get the care they deserve.
4. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
- I joined my Colorado Delegation Democratic colleagues in condemning reports that families in Eagle County, Colorado found “death cards” left in the cars of family members taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. We called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Office of the Inspector General to open an investigation and requested a full DHS briefing on the incidents and steps taken to prevent further intimidation of Latino communities.
- Friday marked the start of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. As a co-chair of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, I am proud that Colorado has sent more athletes to the games than any other state. Congratulations to the incredible 31 Olympians and one Paralympian from Colorado who have qualified to compete. We will be rooting for you in Milan and Cortina!
- The Chime Scholars Foundation scholarship application for the 2026-27 school year is now open to Colorado students. This opportunity offers scholarships up to $20,000 to students of all backgrounds and stages of life, and supports a wide range of educational pathways. For more information, please visit the Chimes Scholars Foundation website.
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