The Senate Agriculture Committee today passed a bill introduced by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet to ensure the National Forest Foundation (NFF) continues to have the resources it needs to enhance and protect national forests and grasslands.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet applauded the Small Business Administration's (SBA) announcement today that low-interest disaster loans are now available to businesses and residents affected by landslides that began after April of 2015. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, machinery, equipment, and other assets. Disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair damaged real estate and up to $40,000 is available to replace personal property. Additional funds are available to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to prevent or minimize similar damage from occurring in the future.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet questioned Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing regarding the examination of the harmful effects of the Gold King Mine disaster. Bennet asked McCarthy about steps the agency is considering to clean up the Animas River, including the possibility of constructing a water treatment facility.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet testified today at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing regarding the cause, response, and effects of the Gold King Mine disaster. Bennet and Senator Cory Gardner requested the hearing.

Today U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Burr (R-NC), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Advancing Targeted Therapies for Rare Diseases Act of 2015. This bipartisan bill will help advance the development of targeted drugs for patients with serious or life-threatening rare genetic diseases.

Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet cosponsored a resolution introduced by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the heritage, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans throughout U.S. history. Bennet is also cosponsoring a resolution introduced by Menendez and Reid designating this week of September 14th through the 20th as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" to recognize the 409 nonprofit Hispanic-Serving Institutions throughout our nation for their critical work.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement on the administration's announcement allowing families to use earlier tax information when filling out the FAFSA.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today voted to support the Iran nuclear agreement and against the resolution of disapproval. Prior to the vote, Bennet addressed his colleagues on the Senate floor.

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet is encouraging families with fourth graders to take advantage of the opportunity to visit federal lands for free. The Every Kid in a Park Program, launched this month, allows America's fourth graders to visit the new Every Kid in a Park website to register for a pass to visit our nation's beautiful public lands and waters. The program can help get kids outside to hike, fish, and enjoy the scenery with their families. It's also a unique chance for kids to learn about the rich culture and history our state has to offer.

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement on the Iran Nuclear Agreement.