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A Note from Me:
On Monday, I attended the celebration of life for former Colorado U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Ben set a standard for elected leaders. As the first and only Native American to chair the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, he forced congressional leaders to recognize and reckon with our government's broken promises to Tribal Nations. His legacy of fighting for working families and protecting public lands is written across Colorado and the West. He was never afraid to stand up for what was right, even if that meant walking a solitary path, like switching political parties. We should all work to ensure that the values, approach, and results of his work will be as enduring as the lands and people he loved. Colorado is grateful for Ben’s life, service, and the example he has left behind.
2. Calling out Trump’s Callous Denial of Major Colorado Disaster Declarations
What’s happening: On Monday, President Trump denied Colorado’s appeal for Major Disaster Declarations for the August 2025 Lee and Elk Fires and the October 2025 flooding in Southwest Colorado. Both of these disasters meet the statutory and practical criteria for a Major Disaster Declaration as well as FEMA’s administrative and legal threshold for federal assistance. President Trump has denied disaster declarations for blue states at three times the rate of red states.
What I believe: Disasters are disasters, regardless of state lines or political parties. Trump’s refusal to grant Major Disaster Declarations for these events is callous and leaves rural Coloradans, who urgently need support, vulnerable and footing the bill. Critical infrastructure remains unstable, costs continue to rise, and communities remain at risk. Trump is responsible for this abdication of responsibility; the consequences of which will continue to be severe and long-lasting.
What I’m doing: This week, I joined Senator Hickenlooper in calling out Trump for refusing federal assistance. Trump’s attacks on Colorado by denying disaster relief funding are politics at its worst — putting personal and political grievances ahead of the needs of rural Colorado communities. I am working on legislation that would allow Congress to act when the president fails to deliver disaster assistance. I will not stop until these communities get the relief they deserve.
3. Demanding Reforms to Make Tax Filing Easier & Faster
What’s happening: Under the Trump Administration, it has become harder for working people to file their tax returns than in other countries. That's indisputable. At the same time, estimates show that the lack of enforcement staff at the IRS will likely cost the U.S. Treasury $643 billion in unpaid taxes by the wealthiest people in America over the next decade, contributing to our nation's $38 trillion debt.
What I’m doing: On Wednesday, I questioned Trump’s ‘CEO’ of the IRS, Frank Bisignano, during a Senate Finance Committee Hearing on IRS operations and the 2026 tax filing season. We must hold this Administration accountable for increased customer service wait times, processing time delays, and the billions of dollars of uncollected revenue the Administration is leaving on the table – taxes people owe in this nation. I will also continue to fight for reforms that make it easier and faster to file taxes.
4. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
- Congratulations to UFCW Local 7 for reaching a bargaining agreement with JBS that secures better pay, benefits, and safety protections for nearly 3,800 Coloradans. JBS plays an important role in Northern Colorado's economy and its workers are critical to the meatpacking supply chain. I'm glad the deal delivers long-term stability for these workers.
- I was glad to see Rocky Mountain Steel and Union Pacific reach an agreement that will bring long-term stability for Pueblo steelworkers, the local economy, and domestic rail production. This deal strengthens the 100+ year relationship between the Pueblo steel mill and Union Pacific, and I look forward to Pueblo’s continued investment in state-of-the-art production and good-paying jobs for Colorado workers.
- Last Friday, the Artemis II crew made history — returning to Earth after traveling farther than any human ever has. I congratulate the entire NASA team and celebrate the thousands of Coloradans who helped achieve this remarkable milestone, including by building the Orion capsule!
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