News published on Federal Newswire in March 2026

News from March 2026


Senate passes resolution honoring leadership and legacy of Native women

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution honoring American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women's leadership during Women’s History Month. Senators Brian Schatz and Lisa Murkowski led the effort to recognize these women's significant contributions across various fields.


Markey and former New Jersey attorney general hold briefing on small business tariff refunds

Senator Edward J. Markey held a virtual briefing with former New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin about tariff tax refunds for small businesses after a Supreme Court ruling struck down certain tariffs. They discussed ongoing legal efforts and urged an automatic refund process instead of requiring burdensome paperwork from affected companies.


Durbin criticizes SAVE America Act and Republican voting restrictions in Senate speech

Senator Dick Durbin criticized Republican-backed voting legislation during a Senate speech on March 19. He argued new requirements could prevent millions from registering while citing rare instances of illegal voting. The debate reflects wider concerns about access and fairness in U.S. elections.


Mississippi man ordered to pay $31 million for healthcare kickback scheme

A Mississippi man has been ordered to pay over $31 million after being found liable for orchestrating a kickback scheme targeting federal healthcare programs. The judgment follows an investigation into illegal patient referrals involving TRICARE beneficiaries.


Eleven arrested in Los Angeles on charges of real estate loan fraud using stolen identities

Federal authorities arrested eleven people accused of using stolen identities from elderly victims in a scheme targeting real estate loans worth millions in Los Angeles. Officials say both homeowners and lenders suffered losses due to fraudulent activity involving fabricated documents.


Woodburn man charged with threatening to kill a U.S. senator

A Woodburn man has been charged after allegedly threatening a U.S. Senator's life by voicemail last November. He appeared in federal court on March 19 but was released pending further proceedings. The case is being investigated by multiple agencies including the FBI.


Bronx man sentenced to 46 months for cocaine trafficking in Pennsylvania

Jose Baez Cabrera from the Bronx has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for transporting cocaine through Pennsylvania. The sentence follows his prior conviction related to fentanyl possession and highlights law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking.


House Energy and Commerce Committee announces hearing on illicit drug threats for March 26

The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a public hearing on March 26 about policies addressing illicit drug threats. The session will review multiple bills aimed at preventing dangerous substances from impacting American communities.


Cincinnati man sentenced to 10 years for methamphetamine trafficking in Kentucky

Bryant Adams of Cincinnati has been sentenced to ten years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking after admitting weekly distribution over six months. Law enforcement officials announced that Adams must serve most of his sentence and will face supervised release upon completion.


Senate Judiciary Committee advances nominations for key Justice Department positions

The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced five key nominations for positions within the Department of Justice and U.S. Marshals Service after votes held on March 19. These decisions impact federal law enforcement leadership across several states. The committee's actions reflect its broad influence over judicial matters nationwide.


Albuquerque man pleads guilty in child sex trafficking case

A California man has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving child sex trafficking after transporting two minors from California to New Mexico for commercial sex acts. Another defendant admitted concealing the crime. Both await sentencing as authorities continue efforts against child exploitation.


Othello man sentenced to 15 months for odometer tampering scheme

Reynaldo Garza has been sentenced to prison for rolling back vehicle odometers as part of an ongoing scheme targeting car buyers in his community. Authorities say his actions defrauded victims out of thousands while posing safety risks due to hidden wear on critical vehicle components.


CBP highlights Easter import rules and reports major meth seizure in San Diego

CBP issued public reminders regarding Easter-related agricultural import restrictions and announced a major drug interception near San Diego via posts dated March 17 and March 19, respectively.


Chairman Cassidy delivers remarks at Senate HELP Committee hearing on legislative efforts

Senator Bill Cassidy led a Senate HELP Committee hearing discussing new bipartisan bills affecting health care, education, labor laws, and retirement programs. The committee aims to address affordability issues while updating policies for modern needs.


Three Akron men indicted for drug trafficking conspiracy in Summit County

Three Akron men have been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges involving large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Authorities seized significant amounts of drugs and cash during their investigation across Summit County. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


Albany manufacturer to pay $1.9 million in PPP loan settlement under False Claims Act

Sark Wire Corporation will pay $1.9 million after admitting it was ineligible for a pandemic relief loan due to undisclosed foreign affiliations and employee counts. Federal officials say this settlement reflects ongoing efforts to recover improperly obtained COVID-19 aid.


Three charged with conspiring to divert U.S. AI technology to China

Federal prosecutors have charged three individuals with conspiring to illegally send advanced U.S.-made AI server technology to China without required licenses. Authorities allege that elaborate efforts were made over several years using false documents and dummy equipment during audits.


Heinrich urges Trump administration to support bipartisan nuclear energy policies

Senator Martin Heinrich called on March 19 for stronger support from the Trump administration for bipartisan nuclear energy policies. He stressed consistent federal backing is needed to keep consumer energy costs down amid rising bills and global uncertainty.


Former Bolivian anti-narcotics chief sentenced to 25 years for cocaine conspiracy

Maximiliano Davila Perez, former head of Bolivia's anti-narcotics agency FELCN, has been sentenced in New York federal court to 25 years in prison for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States while abusing his official position. Authorities say he facilitated large-scale drug shipments using his law enforcement connections.


Five Philadelphia men convicted of carjacking conspiracy and related murders

Five men from Philadelphia were convicted for their roles in an extensive armed carjacking ring that included two murders. Authorities say dozens of violent robberies occurred across city neighborhoods before law enforcement dismantled the group.