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The Reality of the State of the Union
What I believe: At the State of the Union, President Trump once again tried to convince us that what we have seen with our own eyes is not the truth. Coloradans have witnessed the reality: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shooting and killing American citizens in U.S. cities, families living in fear and struggling to afford health care and groceries, and small businesses fighting for survival under the weight of Trump’s tariffs.
My guest, Andrea: The Trump Administration has brought fear and chaos to Colorado and across the country with their cruel immigration policies. When Coloradans lose faith in the government, they turn to strong, local community leaders. I was honored that one of those community leaders, Andrea Loya, the Executive Director of Casa de Paz in Aurora, joined me at the State of the Union. Casa de Paz helps people detained at, or just released from, the ICE detention facility in Aurora and ensures that immigrants and their families have the resources they need when it matters most. Andrea embodies how we show up for each other as Coloradans – especially in the face of Trump’s lawlessness – and I thank her for all of her tireless work.
What’s next: I will do everything I can to fight against Trump’s cruel policies and protect Colorado communities suffering under this chaos. Additionally, I will use every possible tool to push for guardrails and critical reforms for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.
2. Fighting for Tariff Refunds for Coloradans
What’s happening: Last week, the Supreme Court ruled many of Trump’s tariffs illegal, but the damage has already been done – even as the President promises to impose more tariffs under other authorities. The Trump Administration previously recognized that it must refund, with interest, any duties that were unlawfully collected. Yet the administration has provided no timeline, process, or other guidelines for providing refunds – and has even suggested that they may never be forthcoming. The lack of a clear, accessible process advantages large importers with resources to dedicate to outside counsel and consultants, but creates real hurdles for Colorado’s small businesses.
What I believe: Trump’s trade war has undercut small businesses, increased costs for Coloradans, and alienated key allies and partners. Coloradans deserve a transparent, efficient, and timely process for returning funds spent on tariffs that should never have been collected in the first place.
What I’m doing: This week, I joined my Senate colleagues to introduce legislation requiring full refunds of President Trump’s illegal tariffs after the Supreme Court struck them down. The Tariff Refund Act would reduce uncertainty, support small businesses, and strengthen Colorado’s economy. I will continue fighting to reassert Congress’s oversight authority over trade and tariffs and oppose new ones that further strain Colorado families and businesses.
3. Supporting Ukraine on the Fourth Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion
What’s happening: For over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their involuntary war with Vladimir Putin – and the resolve they have shown – offers an important example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. They have fulfilled a duty on the front lines that we will struggle to repay.
What I believe: The United States must work with our allies to ensure continued military, intelligence, and economic support for Ukraine. Congress must make Russia pay the price for its aggression and clarify the U.S.’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The United States and our allies must stand strong to support Ukraine to negotiate a just and durable end to this unprovoked war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace.
What I’m doing: This week, I joined 27 of my Senate colleagues to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, condemning Russia’s attacks on civilians, and reaffirming Senate support for Ukraine, including for strong, binding U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to secure a just and lasting peace. I will continue to fight for continued military, intelligence, and economic support for Ukraine, as well as measures to impose costs on Putin to force him to the negotiating table.
4. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
- I opposed Steve Pearce’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management. Pearce has shown he will be the first to sell off our public lands, which sustain Colorado’s economy and way of life. He will be an enforcer of Trump's reckless “drill baby drill” policies and will demolish the protections that ensure our kids and grandkids will benefit from public lands as we do today. His nomination is an insult to all Coloradans, and I will continue to oppose it.
- As a co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, I congratulate all the Colorado athletes and applaud their accomplishments, including winning five gold and two bronze medals. I also look forward to supporting the Colorado athletes competing in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games, which begin March 6.
- As Black History Month comes to a close, I want to recognize the Black Coloradans who have shaped our state. This month, I highlighted the significance of Denver's Five Points neighborhood, Colorado leader Evie Dennis, and the Douglass brothers who founded Colorado's first Black school. Black History Month is not just about honoring the achievements and resilience of Black Americans in the fight for racial justice and equality — it’s about celebrating the innovative vision, creativity, and ingenuity that have shaped what makes Colorado and this nation great.
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