A message from Senator Michael Bennet

Fighting to Rein in President Trump’s Iran War

What’s happening: Last Saturday, President Trump launched the United States into war in Iran – without congressional authorization or clear objectives. So far, six American service members have died and many more have been wounded while Iran retaliates across the Middle East. The President’s top advisors have not provided any plans for stabilizing the situation and instead suggested that more American casualties are likely, while refusing to rule out putting U.S. troops on the ground in Iran. 

What I believe: For decades, the Iranian regime has sown chaos across the Middle East and funded proxies that killed U.S. troops. This regime must never acquire nuclear weapons. That is why I have backed strong measures to constrain Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I have seen no new intelligence or information suggesting that Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon had become more imminent, as the administration suggested. President Trump, having chosen to act unilaterally, must immediately explain to Congress and the American people how his administration will prevent a chain reaction that hopelessly destabilizes Iran and plunges the Middle East into turmoil, further jeopardizing the lives of American troops and wasting vital resources necessary to deterring China and Russia. 

What I’m doing: On Wednesday, I voted yes on the bipartisan War Powers Resolution to force President Trump to remove U.S. troops from waging his unauthorized war against Iran without explicit Congressional approval – a resolution Republicans blocked. President Trump must adhere to our Constitution and its requirement that no President declare and wage war unilaterally. I will continue fighting against this reckless President’s war as we defend our troops and national security interests. 

2. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Fired

What’s happening: On Thursday, President Trump fired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. Not because of the lawlessness of her agency. Not because of the deaths which occurred in DHS custody. Nor because of the Americans killed in the streets of our cities. He fired her because she embarrassed him. 

What I believe: Kristi Noem was in no way qualified to run DHS, and she should never have been put in charge of such a critical agency responsible for protecting our national security, enforcing immigration laws, and responding to domestic emergencies. DHS needs meaningful guardrails and real accountability. Noem’s departure alone will not fix a broken system, and it will not bring justice to the families of those affected by the cruel and inhumane policies carried out by this Administration.

What I’m doing: I have repeatedly said that DHS must undergo a complete overhaul of its operations and implement the same common-sense practices we expect from local law enforcement. I will continue to fight for real change and safeguards within DHS. I also urge all of my colleagues to put our country over partisan politics and fight to ensure that DHS follows the Constitution, the rule of law, and respects the dignity of human life.

3.  Pushing for Proactive Wildfire Mitigation Across the West

What’s happening: Snowpack conditions in the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Colorado, are deeply concerning. As of March 3, 2026, Colorado’s snowpack was at roughly 60 percent of the median snow water equivalent in most basins. These drought conditions point to an early and sustained drying of forests and rangelands and increased likelihood of a potentially catastrophic fire season. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior cut Colorado’s public lands workforce by 26 percent. These substantial shortages have led to a nearly 40 percent reduction in hazardous fuel work last year compared to the previous four years. 

What I believe: Over the last several decades, low snowpack has become less the exception and more the norm, and it demands a shift toward earlier and repeated forest health treatments in collaboration with the local communities most at risk. With the West heading into the 2026 fire season during one of the worst droughts in history, the staffing shortages and lack of critical wildfire mitigation are of grave concern to our communities.

What I’m doing: This week, I led my Colorado Democratic colleagues in urging Tom Schultz, the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), to prioritize proactive wildfire mitigation efforts across the West. We also encouraged USFS to do everything in its power to direct resources and personnel toward high-risk landscapes in the West, accelerate strategic precommercial forest thinning, and increase prescribed fire and insect/disease treatments. This problem is not going anywhere, and I will not stop until meaningful solutions are in place.

4. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

• On Thursday, I joined Senators John Hickenlooper and John Curtis, as well as Representative Jeff Hurd, to introduce the bipartisan Responsible Containment Reauthorization Act. Currently, the Grand Junction Disposal cell is the only long-term uranium disposal facility in Colorado. This bill will support Western Colorado as the region works to clean up low-level radioactive materials. Keeping this critical site in operation until it reaches capacity will protect public health, lower disposal costs, and limit environmental risk.
• It’s tax season, Colorado. The deadline for filing your federal income tax return is April 15 for most filers. As we approach Tax Day, I am working to make filing your taxes as simple as possible. This week, I joined 40 of my Senate colleagues to introduce the Direct File Act. This legislation would reverse the Trump Administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program, which allowed Americans to file their taxes quickly, easily, and for free. Coloradans deserve a modern tax filing experience and this tax season, I am working to ensure that this program is made permanent.
• Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rolled back air pollution standards for coal- and oil-fired power plants, allowing more mercury, heavy metals, and soot into our air while eliminating the requirement to monitor these toxins being released into our communities. Mercury causes permanent brain damage in infants and children, and all of these pollutants can damage vital organs and weaken immune systems at any age. Ignoring the real health consequences of this pollution is unethical and dangerous. I won't stop fighting to protect clean air and public health in Colorado.
• The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games began this week, with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, March 6th! Congratulations to the six incredible Colorado Paralympians who have qualified to compete. We will be rooting for you in Milan and Cortina!

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