Senator Michael Bennet announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Garfield County, Moffat County, and Rio Blanco County as contiguous disaster areas due to drought. The designation makes farm operators in these counties eligible to be considered for federal assistance, including Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with Senate co-sponsors Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), announced today they are introducing the Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act of 2015 in the United States Senate to exempt from the Controlled Substances Act strains of therapeutic hemp used to fight seizures in children and adults suffering from intractable epilepsy.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after the Senate blocked a procedural motion to proceed to a partial Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislative package. Last month, in the Senate Finance Committee, Bennet voted for a bipartisan TPA package that passed 20 -6. That package included several enforcement measures and protections for workers and the environment, as well as his amendment to provide the U.S. with tools to fight currency manipulation by countries like China. Today, he voted against moving forward on a partial package that excludes stronger environmental and enforcement rules and his currency provision.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) to introduce a bill to create jobs, save consumers money and reduce pollution by creating a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES). The legislation, which would help the United States diversify its energy sources while establishing our leadership in clean energy production, would require utilities to generate 30 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner introduced a bill to protect ten parcels within a "wedge" of land between Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest by incorporating the land into Arapaho National Forest. The Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 2015 will also allow the U.S. Forest Service to acquire land in the "wedge" from interested landowners to preserve the region.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and seven other senators to introduce a bill to help improve the quality and consistency of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims appeals and help address the VA's oldest pending claims. Specifically, the bill would improve and expand pro bono legal services for veterans during their appeals process, and provide the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with additional authority to expedite consideration of unreasonably delayed claims.

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced a bill to launch a new National Laboratory Technology Maturation Program (NLTMP) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The program would facilitate successful commercialization of laboratory-developed technologies and boost regional, technology-driven economic impacts.

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced the Patient Access to Disposable Medical Technology Act of 2015, a bill that would fix current federal policy that keeps Medicare patients from receiving the most-cutting-edge medical technologies.

Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner today urged the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to apply accountability measures to the ongoing construction of the Denver Replacement Medical Center. The senators offered specific proposals to ensure that this and future VA construction projects are completed with an appropriate level of Congressional oversight.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today encouraged local coalitions, governments, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and farmers and ranchers to apply for funding for conservation projects made available today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that $235 million is available through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Bennet helped craft the RCPP program, which was created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Secretary Vilsack said the USDA will fund projects focused on improving soil health, preserving clean water, combating drought, and protecting wildlife habitat. Proposals are due July 8.