Sen. Marsha Blackburn on Government Funding, NEA Charter Repeal, and Russia Collusion Bombshells

Government Funding and Appropriations

• 📌 Republicans aim to cut spending and pass 12 individual appropriations bills before the September 30th shutdown deadline.
• 🏛️ Senate Democrats have agreed to advance a bipartisan bill funding military construction and the VA, marking the first appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026.
• 💸 Senator Blackburn criticizes the "Biden budget" and "out-of-control spending," advocating for a "Trump budget" with appropriations bills that include rescissions.
• 🚫 She anticipates Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer might desire a "Schumer shutdown" but believes many Democrats want to see regular order and deficit control.

NEA Charter and Lobbying

• ✂️ Senator Blackburn and Congressman Mark Harris are introducing legislation to repeal the federal charter of the National Education Association (NEA).
• 🚫 The bill also aims to limit the NEA's ability to use taxpayer money to lobby Congress, a practice Blackburn states is unpopular with constituents.

State Reimbursement for Military Aid

• 💰 Legislation has been introduced requiring states to reimburse the federal government if military resources are used in response to civil disturbances.
• 💸 This measure follows the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles during anti-ICE riots, costing the Department of Defense $130 million.
• 🛡️ The goal is for citizens in the affected state to pay for safety and security, rather than taxpayers in other states, especially in "sanctuary cities."

Russia Collusion Investigation and Accountability

• 📄 DNI Gabbard's declassification of 100 documents is seen as proof of the "Russia collusion" narrative being a "complete lie."
• 🔍 Blackburn expresses gratitude for the declassification and looks forward to DOJ and FBI investigations.
• ⚖️ She anticipates individuals involved in the "Russia collusion" investigation will be held responsible and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, referencing the handling of Hillary Clinton's emails and the dossier.