I want to respond very briefly because everything that has just been said in objection to this bill is totally irrelevant. It is irrelevant because it is based on the misunderstanding that this bill somehow imposes censorship or content evaluation. In fact, it is not a free speech issue. The bill explicitly focuses on design features. Section 102(a) says a platform must exercise reasonable care in the ``creation and implementation of any design feature'' when that design feature foreseeably contributes to one of the enumerated harms.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+18$221K raised
Richard Blumenthal
Senator · Connecticut · Democrat
Richard Blumenthal
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, I am here to talk about the Kids Online Safety Act and receive unanimous consent for its passage, but I cannot begin this conversation without remarking on the colloquy that we just heard because I so strongly welcome the powerful statements made by Senator Tillis. I hope he reflects a growing consensus on his side of the aisle in favor of action by the United States to help prepare Ukraine for the long, hard, cruel, potentially devastating winter ahead.
Election deniers have no place on the bench or in the Department of Justice. And, in fact, in response to my submitted question relating to the 2020 election, Todd Blanche refused to state that Joe Biden won the 2020 election, and he stood by his prior statements perpetuating the Big Lie. The through line here is whatever Donald Trump says, Todd Blanche does. He will do anything, say anything, conceal anything that serves Donald Trump's interests. Now, in some ways, the most tragic illustration of this through line is Todd Blanche's treatment of the Epstein survivors.
Biography
Richard Blumenthal began his career as Connecticut’s Attorney General, where he gained recognition for consumer protection and public safety advocacy. Elected as U.S. Senator for Connecticut in 2010, he has prioritized veterans’ affairs, gun safety, and consumer rights. Blumenthal co-authored legislation to expand mental health resources for veterans and played a prominent role in advancing bipartisan gun violence prevention measures. As a senior member of the Senate Judiciary and Armed Services Committees, he has shaped national security and judicial policy. Blumenthal is known for thorough oversight and persistent advocacy on behalf of Connecticut residents.
Education
- J.D., Yale Law School, New Haven, CT1973
- B.A. in Government, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA1967
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2011–PresentSenator from Connecticut. 3 terms.
Attorney General, State of Connecticut
1990–2010Member, Connecticut Senate
1987–91Member, Connecticut House of Representatives
1984–87U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut
1977–81Attorney (admitted to Connecticut Bar
1976/ District of Columbia Bar, 1977)
Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security11%
Health11%
Transportation and Public Works7%
Crime and Law Enforcement7%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Richard Blumenthal's record in Congress.
Consumer Protection
Co-sponsored the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act to combat illegal robocalls.
Veterans' Health Care
Helped pass the Honoring Our PACT Act, expanding health care for veterans exposed to toxic substances.
Gun Violence Prevention
Co-introduced the Background Check Expansion Act to require background checks on all gun sales.
Environmental Protection
Secured federal funding for Long Island Sound restoration projects to improve water quality and habitat.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Veterans' AffairsRanking Member
- United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control
- Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- Senate Committee on Armed Services
- Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Sen. Richard Blumenthal FAQ
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