Marsha Blackburn

Blackburn, Coons Bipartisan Bill to Protect Individuals and Creators from Deepfakes Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

Position: Senators Blackburn and Coons support the NO FAKES Act, which would establish federal protections against non-consensual creation and use of digital replicas of individuals' voices and likenesses in audiovisual works and sound recordings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statements after their bipartisan Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act advanced unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation would protect the voice and visual likenesses of individuals and creators from the proliferation of digital replicas created without their consent. "AI should empower innovation – not give scammers and online predators a free pass to exploit someone's voice and visual likeness without permission," said Senator Blackburn. "From artists and songwriters to students and everyday Americans, people deserve meaningful protections against deceptive deepfakes and digital impersonation. The NO FAKES Act would establish clear guardrails that protect the creative community in Tennessee and nationwide, and I am pleased that this important legislation is one step closer to becoming law." "Everyone deserves the right to own and protect their voice and likeness from AI deepfakes, no matter if you're Taylor Swift or an 8th grader in Wilmington," said Senator Coons. "AI can be used as a tool to foster creativity, but that can't come at the expense of the unauthorized exploitation of anyone's voice or likeness. I am grateful for the bipartisan partnership of Senators Blackburn, Klobuchar, and Tillis that has pushed this bill forward out of committee by a unanimous vote. I hope the full Senate passes it soon so we can give Americans the security they deserve." Additionally, Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) are original co-sponsors of this legislation. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Madeleine Dean (D-Penn.). The NO FAKES Act would address the use of non-consensual digital replications in audiovisual works or sound recordings by: Senators Blackburn and Coons introduced a revised version of the NO FAKES Act last month. This version: Click here to read the bill text. Click here to read the section-by-section. This legislation is endorsed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), SAG-AFTRA, Motion Picture Association, YouTube, Recording Academy, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, IBM, TikTok, OpenAI, Disney, The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), WME, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Human Artistry Campaign,Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Department for Professional Employees at AFL-CIO (DPE), AFL-CIO, National Association of Broadcasters, Vermillio, Hive, National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA), American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers(ASCAP), Authors Guild, CreativeFuture, American Bar Association, National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), Music Artists Coalition (MAC), Television Academy, Enough is Enough, Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Songwriters of North America, Getty Images, American Medical Association (AMA), American Federation of Musicians, and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Read statements from these supporting organizations here.

Blackburn Statement on Senate Passage of Secure America Act

Position: Senator Blackburn supports the Secure America Act, which provides funding and resources to expand immigration enforcement operations by ICE and CBP through the end of the current presidential term.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Secure America Act to supercharge the immigration enforcement missions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump's second term: "By shutting down DHS for 76 days, the Democrats jeopardized our homeland security at a time when America faces countless national security threats all because they want to abolish ICE and defund law enforcement," said Senator Blackburn. "By voting to pass the Secure America Act, Senate Republicans slammed the door on Democrats' radical-left demands and ensured the brave men and women who are risking their lives to enforce our immigration laws have everything they need to get the job done." The Secure America Act provides funding to:

VIDEO: Blackburn Flames Democrats for Trying to Abolish ICE

Position: Senator Blackburn opposes efforts to abolish or defund ICE, arguing that federal immigration enforcement is a core government responsibility and that existing immigration laws reflect the will of the American people and should be enforced.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor, where she excoriated the Democrats for their long record of trying to abolish ICE and defund law enforcement. Click here to download her remarks and see below for excerpts. Click here to download Senator Blackburn's remarks. Democrats Do Not Believe in Enforcing the Laws on the Books "A core responsibility of any representative government is enforcing the rule of law." "Republicans believe in upholding this basic responsibility, but it's become painfully clear – and I think it should be regrettable – that our colleagues across the aisle do not see this as a basic responsibility." "Every single federal immigration law that we have on the books… was passed by Congress, and that law was signed into law by a sitting U.S. President." 'These laws actually reflect the will of the American people, and these immigration laws are just as legitimate as any other law that is on the books." "Our Democrat colleagues… see these laws as optional." "For 76 days, the Democrats kept the Department of Homeland Security shut down." "What do the Democrats think they are doing? Why at a time when there are so many threats, why would they jeopardize our national security?" "The Democrats have a goal. They've been committed to this for years, and they haven't been able to pull it off." "Their goal is to defund law enforcement and to abolish ICE." "I've got a chart that shows some of the statements that have come from people on the left." "This is what they are trying to do." "This isn't a fringe position in today's Democrat party." "It has become a mainstay of their political agenda." "Can you even imagine the chaos that would ensue if we wiped this agency, which is responsible for protecting Americans from cross-border crime and illegal immigration… off the map?" "There would be more crime, more sex trafficking, drug trafficking, more human trafficking, more terrorism, and more lives lost." Consequences of Anti-ICE Rhetoric Has Been on Full Display in New Jersey "Since President Trump returned to office, we've seen the consequences of this rhetoric on full display. You can look at what is unfolding right now in New Jersey." "For days, far-left rioters have assaulted law enforcement outside Delaney Hall, which is an immigration detention facility near Newark." "One rioter screamed at an ICE agent… 'Your children, your wife—all dead. I have your face…You're dead.'" "Imagine if that were being shouted at you as you did your job." "Imagine if somebody was screaming at you that they were going to kill your kids, they were going to kill your wife, and they were going to kill you. They had your face. They knew who you were. This is what these agents are facing." "Death threats to ICE agents, they're up 8,000%." "Instead of condemning the violence, you've got the state's, New Jersey's Governor, Democrat, has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the rioters." "She is blaming the ICE officers who are abiding by the rule of law. She is not blaming the paid political protestors who are not peacefully protesting." "This is how radical Democrats have become." "While the Democrats try to abolish ICE, Republicans are doing everything possible to uphold the rule of law." "It's why we are moving forward with a public security reconciliation bill that will provide the funding necessary for ICE and CBP for years to come."

Blackburn, Graham Introduce Legislation to Incentivize Every State to Submit Voter Rolls to DHS

Position: Senators Blackburn and Graham introduced legislation to incentivize states to submit voter registration lists to DHS through the SAVE program to verify voter citizenship and prevent non-citizens from voting.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget, introduced the Election Security Partnership Act to incentivize states to submit their voter registration lists to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program: "It goes without saying that U.S. elections MUST be reserved for U.S. citizens, and Tennessee is ranked #1 in election integrity because we cleaned up our voter rolls and require voter ID," said Senator Blackburn. "More than 80% of Americans want government officials at every level of government to eliminate all voter fraud, and they are fed up with Congress not taking action. I will not rest until we pass election integrity measures in any way possible, which is why I am introducing the Election Security Partnership Act to ensure every state is using the SAVE program and following Tennessee's lead to restore faith in America's elections." "Free, fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our republic. However, Democrat-led states across the country have failed to enact common-sense election integrity measures to combat fraud and cheating," said Senator Graham. "After millions of illegal aliens invaded our country during the Biden years, Americans want to know that only U.S. citizens are voting in our elections. I'm pleased to join Senator Blackburn in introducing this legislation to strengthen the integrity of and confidence in our elections."

PHOTO: Blackburn Keynotes Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit in Chattanooga

Position: Senator Blackburn advocates for federal support of emerging technologies—AI, quantum computing, and advanced nuclear energy—as essential to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. She highlights congressional legislation she has introduced or supported to advance development and coordination in these sectors.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered keynote remarks at the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit in Chattanooga, where she made the case for why Tennessee must lead in emerging technologies like AI, quantum, and nuclear to ensure America's national security and global dominance. She discussed the opportunities ahead with emerging tech, what Congress is doing to advance development of emerging tech, and why Tennessee is better prepared than any other state to secure America's tech dominance. Blackburn Discusses Opportunities Ahead with Emerging Tech "With the time I have, I'd like to look at the opportunities we have ahead of us with emerging technologies; discuss how Congress is supporting these developments; and outline why Tennessee is better prepared than any other state to secure America's tech dominance." "We know that America's 21st century leadership rests on our ability to develop and lead in emerging technologies, especially AI, quantum, and advanced nuclear. We also know that the development of each one of these technologies rests on the others." "Quantum will provide the rails that AI will ride on—while handling complex computations needed for advanced reactors. AI is accelerating the development of quantum computers while aiding the construction and operation of reactors. And nuclear energy will provide the reliable, base-load power needed to scale up AI and quantum infrastructure." "With these technologies, there are trillions of dollars in potential economic growth on the table. But more importantly, U.S. leadership in AI, quantum, and advanced nuclear is essential to our long-term national security." Blackburn Discusses Congressional Action to Advance AI, Quantum, and Nuclear "In March, I unveiled the discussion draft for the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act—comprehensive legislation that would create one federal rulebook for AI. This bill answers President Trump's call for national AI standards while ensuring that America wins the global race for AI supremacy." "I recently introduced legislation, alongside several of my Senate colleagues, to reauthorize and expand the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA). First signed into law by President Trump in 2018, the NQIA supported research and development, improved coordination between industry and government, and promoted international standards for quantum." "Along with the NQIA, I have led several bipartisan bills to promote U.S. quantum development, including legislation to bolster quantum research at the Department of War; support our nation's quantum innovation hubs, including in Tennessee; create a Manufacturing USA Institute to spur quantum manufacturing; and establish a public-private partnership to develop near-term, commercial applications for the technology." "Finally, on nuclear. I am so pleased that President Trump and his administration are taking strong action to eliminate red tape and support the nuclear energy industry. With his executive orders to speed up approvals for new reactors and strengthen fuel supply chains, he is helping usher in a 21st-century nuclear renaissance." "To support this effort, I was pleased to secure a tax benefit in the Working Families Tax Cuts, or One Big Beautiful Bill, for certain advanced nuclear facility projects—support that will directly benefit the TVA's Clinch River Site." Blackburn Makes the Case for Why Tennessee Must Lead the Nation in Emerging Tech "With all the assets Tennessee has, we are better positioned than any other state to lead in these emerging technologies and address our nation's most pressing national security issues." "As I mentioned earlier, the development of AI, quantum, and nuclear energy depend on each other. And in Tennessee, we are fortunate to be leading in all three technologies." "Scientists at Oak Ridge National Lab are conducting cutting-edge AI research, achieving quantum breakthroughs with Frontier, and advancing nuclear research, including at the Y-12 National Security Complex." "Oak Ridge's work has drawn tremendous investment into our state. More than 220 nuclear companies call Tennessee home, including 150 in the Oak Ridge area alone." "UT Knoxville is also working hand-in-hand with Oak Ridge to advance nuclear research and educate the future leaders of this vital industry. And for nearby McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, I was honored to lead the Tennessee congressional delegation in urging the Air Force to select the 134th Air Refueling Wing to host the KC-46." "EPB has deployed America's first industry-led commercially available quantum network—lowering the barrier for innovators to use this technology. At the same time, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is leading the nation in quantum research and education with its Quantum Center." "Vanderbilt is leading on quantum and AI research. In December, it partnered with the EPB to launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation. And in 2024, it launched the College of Connected Computing to focus on computational thinking, AI, and data science." "Last week, Middle Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee Electric announced a new partnership to advance quantum science research." "Through the Pathfinder Program, Fort Campbell has partnered with Vanderbilt to solve complex problems facing our service members." "In Tullahoma, Arnold Air Force Base leads the nation in hypersonic testing, which will continue to prove vital as we develop the Golden Dome." "The University of Memphis is working with the U.S. Navy to spearhead new innovations in drone technology." "When it comes to national security, we need the brightest minds working together. That's why this summit is so great. And that's why I am so optimistic about the future of our state and our nation."

Blackburn Joins Budd, Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Prevent Thousands of Illegal Aliens from Escaping Mandatory Detention

Position: The senators support legislation to clarify that all individuals who enter the United States illegally must be subject to mandatory detention without bond pending removal, closing what they characterize as a judicial loophole in current immigration law.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and three of their Republican colleagues in introducing the Detention Authority Clarification Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to make unambiguous Congress' intent that illegal aliens be subject to detention without bond pending removal from the United States. This is in response to split decisions by federal courts across the country about what should already be clear in section 235 of the INA—all who have entered the United States illegally are subject to mandatory detention. "Illegal aliens who gained entry under Biden's open border continue to endanger Americans' lives and must be removed as swiftly as possible," said Senator Blackburn. "The Detention Authority Clarification Act would ensure that these individuals must be detained without bond until they are promptly deported and are not allowed to evade the consequences of their crimes." "We are a nation of laws, and those who break these laws by coming to our country illegally must be held accountable for their actions. President Trump has worked hard to reaffirm the integrity of our nation's immigration system, yet hundreds of federal district court judges are allowing illegal aliens to avoid mandatory detention based on a supposed loophole. The Detention Authority Clarification Act would eliminate any doubt by reaffirming mandatory detention for those who have violated U.S. law by entering the country illegally," said Senator Budd. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). DETENTION AUTHORITY CLARIFICATION ACT Specifically, the Detention Authority Clarification Act would: The Detention Authority Clarification Act is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project (IAP).

PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Parents Urging Congress to Pass Kids Online Safety Act at Mother’s Day Rally

Position: Senator Blackburn advocates for passage of the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act, arguing that Congress must enact meaningful protections to prevent social media harms to children rather than rely solely on court remedies for past injuries.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke at a rally in front of the U.S. Capitol, where she joined mothers and fathers who have lost their children to social media to urge Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) following Mother's Day: "The landmark social media verdicts in California and New Mexico have reminded our nation of one thing: Courts can punish past harms, but it is up to Congress to prevent future ones," said Senator Blackburn. "Americans are not interested in toothless reforms, which is why we need to get the Senate version of KOSA to the President's desk. It's time for Congress to choose the American people over Big Tech's bottom line." Click here to download photos of Senator Blackburn at the rally. Click here to watch her remarks.

Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Speed Up VA Construction Projects

Position: The senators support legislation to streamline VA construction processes by allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to adopt commercial building codes and standards, with the goal of reducing costs, accelerating project timelines, and expanding VA infrastructure capacity.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced the Faster VA Construction Act to direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to adopt commercial building codes and standards where possible, consistent with law: "The VA's construction process needs to be faster and more efficient," said Senator Blackburn. "The Faster VA Construction Act would stretch taxpayer dollars by cutting unnecessary red tape, speeding up construction projects, and delivering better facilities for our veterans faster." "Hoosier veterans deserve timely care, not red tape," said Senator Banks. "This bill speeds up VA construction and makes sure taxpayer dollars are put to their best use." "We should not let red tape get in the way of ensuring our veterans have access to care and services," said Senator Hirono. "As veterans' needs continue to grow in Hawaii and across the country, we should do all we can to ensure VA's infrastructure can meet this demand. By allowing VA projects to follow commercial construction codes and standards, the Faster VA Construction Act takes steps to streamline the construction process, reduce costs, and help increase the number of projects VA can get built each year." Specifically, the Faster VA Construction Act would:

VIDEO: Memphis Mom Dalisia Ballinger Joins ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ to Discuss Memphis Safe Task Force

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a new episode of 'Unmuted with Marsha' with Memphis mother and independent journalist, Dalisia Ballinger, who has been an outspoken advocate for the Memphis Safe Task Force following a drive-by shooting that left a bullet lodged inside the walls of her home. Watch the episode here. Click here to download this episode of 'Unmuted with Marsha.' Click here to download a photo of Senator Blackburn and Dalisia at the roundtable President Trump hosted in Memphis. "I'm sure that bullet hole is a reminder to you of not only how precious life is, but also the importance of safe communities and the attention that Memphis has gotten," said Senator Blackburn. "We have so many calls every single day from Memphians who are saying, 'Thank you. Thank you for helping to fight crime and getting this under control.' Everybody wants a safe community. Everybody wants their children to be able to play outside." "I made a video talking about President Trump and thanking him for bringing the National Guard here to Memphis, and I was later fired for that because I told the truth," said Dalisia Ballinger. "I wanted to make a point, you know from that going forward, that you know the media does lie, and I am a living witness proof. I am a resident from Memphis that can attest to what President Trump has done, and we're very, very grateful for it."