Dave McCormick

Americans of any party should never have to worry that supporting a candidate will put their name and home address on a government list. Political speech is not a crime. Tracking citizens for exercising it is a shameful abuse of power, and those responsible must answer for it.

Elections are a choice. Voters deserve a clear understanding of what socialism would mean for working families and for the country. That’s what the lead up to Election Day is all about. https://t.co/AvUIDz39Tt

Elections are a choice. This isn't about a few extreme candidates anymore. The Democratic mainstream has embraced a socialist agenda, and voters deserve to know that's what's on the ballot this November.

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) celebrated a historic gift to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) from Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, including a transformational $1 billion investment in CMU’s Pittsburgh campus and $2 billion to launch Carnegie Mellon University Miami. “This extraordinary investment from my great friend Ken Griffin is a tremendous vote of confidence in CMU, in Pittsburgh, and in the innovation that will continue to define America’s future,” said Senator McCormick. “Pittsburgh has always been a city that reinvents itself. Andrew Carnegie helped build the Steel City into an industrial powerhouse, and today, the university that bears his name is helping lead America into the next era of innovation. I’m so proud of President Farnam Jahanian and his team for helping make Carnegie Mellon one of the finest research institutions in the world, a global leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, computer science, and so much more.” Senator McCormick previously served on Carnegie Mellon’s Board of Trustees and has long viewed the university as central to Pittsburgh’s transformation from the Steel City into a global hub for technology and innovation. CMU’s world-class leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, and engineering has helped put Pittsburgh at the forefront of the technologies shaping America’s future. That leadership made CMU the natural home for Senator McCormick’s inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, showcasing the Commonwealth’s unique strengths in AI, energy, and advanced technology and catalyzing $92 billion in investment in Pennsylvania’s future. This historic investment announced today builds on that momentum. The $1 billion commitment to support CMU’s Pittsburgh campus will strengthen CMU’s research and academic leadership, attract the best minds, and fuel innovation and discovery in western Pennsylvania. The $2 billion investment in the launch of CMU Miami will expand the reach of an institution built in Pittsburgh and bring CMU’s culture of innovation and excellence to a new generation of leaders. At a moment of intense global competition, America must continue to invest in the people and institutions that allow us to invent, build, and lead. More than a century after Andrew Carnegie invested in Pittsburgh, that same spirit of ambition, discovery, and innovation remains alive and well in Western Pennsylvania.

When I served in the 82nd Airborne during the Cold War, I never thought I’d have to warn young Americans about socialism. Fentanyl deaths in PA are down, and our border is secure because common-sense policies work. We should remember the lessons of history: socialism has failed everywhere it’s been tried.

Great move. David will bring valuable wisdom and expertise at this critical time. https://t.co/HArj7dLWyu

This is disgraceful. Political violence and vandalism have no place in America. Susan and her team, who have served Maine and America so honorably, deserve better. And whoever did this must be held accountable.

Breaking: Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed isn’t a capitalist. Who would’ve guessed? https://t.co/n5JDiemL8V

$260 billion in stolen taxpayer money found since January. The @WHFraudTF is hunting down the criminals who ripped you off. We won't stop until every dime is accounted for. Republicans are bringing accountability back to Washington.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), and John Fetterman (D-PA) today introduced the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent Chinese-made optical transceivers from being used in the federal government’s most sensitive national security systems. Chinese manufacturers have become major suppliers of optical transceivers, creating U.S. alliance on these critical components which move data through high-speed fiber-optic networks, including the networks powering artificial intelligence. Because advanced transceivers can contain reprogrammable firmware, their use in national security networks can create potential supply-chain and security risks. In June, the Department of War added major Chinese manufacturer InnoLight to its Section 1260H list of Chinese military companies, but current law does not impose a government-wide prohibition on adversary-linked optical transceivers in the systems carrying some of America’s most sensitive information. The bill extends an existing federal procurement restriction for semiconductors to covered optical transceivers used in critical systems. It gives suppliers five years to develop compliant sources and provides waivers where necessary to protect supply and national security. “We shouldn’t rely on China for technologies that are essential to our national security,” said Senator McCormick. “This bipartisan bill will help secure our networks and give American manufacturers—including the incredible companies and workers we have right here in Pennsylvania— the opportunity to step up, build more of this technology at home, and compete.” “Optical transceivers are a critical part of America’s modern communications infrastructure, and we need to make sure that infrastructure is secure,” said Senator Gallego. “Our reliance on China to produce these transceivers creates a serious national security vulnerability. This legislation protects our most sensitive systems and invests in Arizona manufacturers, who are already helping build a secure supply chain here at home.” “Critical government communication and information systems must be safe, reliable, and free of any foreign interference, but the use of Chinese technology undermines that mission,” said Senator Cornyn. “I am proud to cosponsor Senator McCormick’s Securing National Security Systemsfrom Chinese Optical Transceivers Act, which will extend the commonsense procurement restrictions I worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA and support American jobs.” “Fiber-optic networks are the digital highways that make our economy run at the speed of light,” said Senator Fetterman. “Just like we use American-made steel to build federal highways and bridges, we should also be using American-made equipment in our fiber-optic networks wherever possible. I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure our critical information networks do not rely on Chinese-made optical transceivers.” The Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would close that gap by extending safeguards Congress has already established for Chinese semiconductors to optical transceivers used in national security systems. The legislation would: Prohibit federal procurement of covered optical transceivers for national security systems, building on the existing federal framework restricting certain Chinese semiconductors. Cover InnoLight, Eoptolink, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as additional adversary-linked companies designated by the Secretary of War or Secretary of Commerce, including covered transceivers that incorporate their firmware, software, or components. Provide a five-year transition period before the prohibition takes effect, allowing trusted American and allied manufacturers time to expand production while minimizing disruptions to federal supply chains. Direct the Department of Commerce to assess U.S. and allied production capacity and develop a strategy to strengthen trusted optical transceiver supply chains. Permit limited, renewable waivers when no trusted alternative is available, with each waiver reported to Congress. The Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act is supported by the following stakeholders: Scott Paul, President, Alliance for American Manufacturing: “For too long, China has pursued dominance in strategically important industries while benefiting from access to markets that reinforce that position. Federal taxpayer dollars should not be used to deepen America’s dependence on Chinese manufacturers for critical technologies. Senator McCormick’s legislation sends an important signal that the United States is serious about securing strategic supply chains, rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity, and strengthening the industrial base needed to compete and lead in the technologies of the future.” Alexandria Paolozzi Moore, Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action: “America’s national security systems are increasingly dependent on high-speed optical networking. Yet our reliance on adversary-controlled components in systems that underpin national defense creates serious security vulnerabilities. FDD Action endorses the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act of 2026 because it closes a gap in existing semiconductor security law. That gap allows CCP-linked suppliers to operate at a critical point where our data flows. We support this legislation and urge its expeditious consideration.” Daniel Kishi, Senior Policy Advisor, American Compass: “China’s dominance of the optical transceiver market has exposed a major vulnerability at the heart of America’s technological infrastructure. The Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would keep Chinese optical transceivers out of the federal government’s critical systems and safeguard sensitive government networks from the risks they pose.” Coalition for a Prosperous America: “The Defense Department has already named InnoLight — the world’s largest optical transceiver maker — a Chinese military company, yet its hardware still sits inside America’s data centers and national security systems. That’s indefensible. Chinese firms control roughly 70 percent of the global optical module market because the CCP targeted this technology for domination, and Beijing won’t let a single American-made transceiver into its own data centers. Senator McCormick’s bill sends a clear demand signal to the American manufacturers already investing in domestic capacity and ensures only trusted hardware runs our national security systems. CPA is proud to support it and urges Congress to pass it without delay.” New American Industrial Alliance: “As China continues its efforts to infiltrate cutting-edge American technologies, it’s more important than ever for Congress to take action to protect America’s technological superiority. By extending the federal ban on Chinese-linked chips to optical transceivers in national security systems, the Securing National Security Systems from Chinese Optical Transceivers Act would close a potential backdoor into our most sensitive networks while giving industry time to build a trusted supply. NAIA thanks Senator McCormick for his tireless work to ensure American security and technological superiority.” ###

WASHINGTON — Last week, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced the winners of his America250 Pennsylvania Youth Essay Contest, which invited high school students across the Commonwealth to reflect on Pennsylvania’s central role in the American story as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. The winners are Brady Sirochman, a 10th grade student at Laurel Highlands High School in Uniontown, and Ronit Luthra, an 11th grade student at Downingtown High School East in Downingtown. The contest drew dozens of submissions from students across Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania was there at America’s founding and has been there at every turning point since. Brady and Ronit captured that in their essays — and in the process showed me that the Commonwealth is still producing the kind of people who will lead this country through its next 250 years. They inspire me. Their work belongs in the Congressional Record,” said Senator McCormick. Both winning essays were be entered into the Congressional Record, and both students met with Senator McCormick in Washington, D.C. where they were presented with American flags that flew over the Capitol on July 4th. Top runners-up received a signed letter of recognition from the Senator. Entries were blindly reviewed by a panel made up of Senator McCormick, a Pennsylvania High School History teacher, and members of Senator McCormick’s staff. Senator McCormick chose the winning essays. Submissions were divided into two divisions: Division I: grades 9-10; Division II: grades 11-12. Division I Winner — Brady Sirochman, Laurel Highlands High School, 10th Grade, Uniontown Sirochman wrote on General George C. Marshall, the Uniontown native who organized the Allied victory in World War II and later authored the Marshall Plan. He opens at the intersection where Marshall’s statue sits across from a bronze soldier, and closes on what that pairing represents: “Through his military career spanning service from the Philippines to Europe, and later his organization of the armed forces in World War II, we see his life as a personification of America’s willingness to defend liberty aggressively. However, through his career post-war in the fields of diplomacy and government aid, we see his life as a personification of America’s willingness to defend liberty peacefully. George C. Marshall is a unification of these two necessities, as at America’s best, we understand the need for a soldier, as well as the need for a diplomat.” Read Brady Sirochman’s full essay here. Division II Winner — Ronit Luthra, Downingtown High School East, 11th Grade, Downingtown Luthra wrote on George Westinghouse, the Pittsburgh inventor and industrialist whose bet on alternating current electrified the modern world — and who, Luthra argues, deserves a larger place in national memory than he holds: “Here was a nation that let a self-taught veteran with no advantages rise on the strength of his ideas alone, then rewarded him for backing an immigrant genius whom nearly everyone else had written off. The country asked no permission of any ministry or court before a private citizen remade the daily life of the entire world.” Read Ronit Luthra’s full essay here. Learn more about Senator McCormick’s America 250 initiative by clicking here. ###

Anyone else concerned that a prominent Abdul El-Sayed ally thinks the Middle East would be more stable if Iran had a NUCLEAR WEAPON? 🙋🏻‍♂️

It all started in Philadelphia. 239 years ago today, our Founders signed the Constitution, creating a new framework for the American experiment—built on liberty, limited government, and the power of “We the People.” https://t.co/svOg3EwgR8

This is incredible. American innovation is changing lives. Well done @ElonMusk.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act after a procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes needed (49-50). Following the vote, Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) released the following statement: “Today, Senate Democrats blocked the vote to advance the CLARITY Act. I’m deeply disappointed at this outcome. For more than a year, Republicans and Democrats worked together in good faith to develop a clear, responsible regulatory framework for digital assets. The legislation before the Senate today incorporated substantive changes requested by Democrats, real concessions designed to address concerns from both sides of the aisle and build a durable bipartisan framework. The status quo leaves consumers and investors worse off and cedes U.S. financial leadership overseas. At a time when our global competitors are racing ahead, American entrepreneurs, investors, consumers, and financial institutions in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. deserve clear rules of the road that protect consumers while allowing innovation to flourish here at home. This issue isn’t going away, and neither is my commitment to getting it done. Community banks and entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania are worse off without CLARITY. I’ll continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver the certainty America needs to remain the global leader in financial innovation.” ###

Pennsylvania senators seek answers on AHRQ grant cancellations affecting researchers at CHOP and the University of Pittsburgh WASHINGTON — Recently, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to share their concerns regarding the recent cancellation of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) grants and the impact this will have on Pennsylvania research institutions. On July 15, more than 150 AHRQ grantees, including researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pittsburgh, were notified that funding for ongoing, multi-year research projects would be canceled. Many of the affected projects had already undergone peer review and received federal funding in prior years. “While we greatly appreciate the Department of Health and Human Services’ commitment to ensuring federally funded research invests in scientific innovation and delivers meaningful value for taxpayers, we believe these objectives should be balanced with consideration of projects that have already undergone peer review and received federal funding,” said Senators McCormick and Fetterman. The senators cautioned that abruptly ending multi-year projects after substantial federal investment could waste taxpayer resources, disrupt ongoing research, eliminate jobs, and delay innovations aimed at improving patient care. They also raised concerns that uncertainty surrounding continued federal research support could make it harder for institutions to plan long-term projects and retain experienced researchers. McCormick and Fetterman requested that HHS provide their offices with a briefing by September 25, 2026, detailing: The criteria used to determine which AHRQ grants were canceled, and which will continue; How a prior federal investment, project progress, and potential disruption to researchers and personnel factor into funding decisions; Whether affected institutions have opportunities to seek reconsideration or otherwise mitigate the impact of terminated funding; Whether HHS plans to reallocate funds that otherwise would have supported the canceled grants; and The Department’s long-term plan for AHRQ and its role in supporting safe, effective, and affordable health care research for the American people. The letter follows previous efforts by Senators McCormick and Fetterman to protect Pennsylvania’s research enterprise. In May, the senators urged the National Institutes of Health to move quickly to obligate congressionally appropriated FY2026 grant funding, citing the importance of federal research investments to Pennsylvania jobs, scientific breakthroughs, and U.S. leadership in biomedical research. Read the full text of the letter here. Full text of the letter: Dear Secretary Kennedy: We are writing to express our concern regarding the recent cancelation of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) grants and the impact on Pennsylvania’s research institutions and their efforts to improve health care outcomes for the patients they serve. On July 15, 2026, more than 150 AHRQ grantees, including researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pittsburgh, were notified of the cancelation of funding for ongoing, multi-year research projects. These cancelations are affecting awards that have undergone peer review and have received prior-year funding. Abruptly ending these multi-year projects, after substantial federal investment, risks wasting taxpayer resources while disrupting research, eliminating jobs, and delaying innovations to improve patient care. While we appreciate the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) commitment to ensuring federally funded research promotes scientific rigor and delivers meaningful value for taxpayers, we believe these objectives should be balanced with consideration of projects that have already undergone review and received federal funding. Careful stewardship of federal research spending is important to maintaining public trust in our nation’s research enterprise. As the Department implements these reforms, it is imperative that changes are carried out in a manner that preserves the value of existing federal investments. To that end, the recent decision to end continuation funding for ongoing AHRQ grants may create uncertainty around federal research support, making it harder for institutions to plan long-term projects, retain experienced researchers, and pursue future scientific breakthroughs. Over time, this instability risks weakening our nation’s leadership in scientific research. To better understand the Department’s perspective, planning, and prioritization, we respectfully request that HHS provide a briefing on the Department’s approach to these funding decisions no later than September 25, 2026, with topics to include: The criteria utilized by the Department to determine which AHRQ grants were canceled and which will continue; How the Department considers prior federal investment, project progress, and potential disruptions to research and personnel when making these decisions; Whether affected institutions have opportunities to seek reconsideration or otherwise mitigate the impact of terminated funding; Department plans to reallocate funds that otherwise would have supported the affected grants; and The Department’s long-term plan for AHRQ and the role it plays in supporting research that promotes safe, effective, and affordable health care for the American people. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and we look forward to hearing from the Department and working together to ensure our nation’s research enterprise remains strong and effective. Sincerely, David H. McCormick United States Senator

The Steel City is ready for football. Let’s go, @steelers!

American workers. American working families. THIS IS the Republican Party. https://t.co/9AgMKxFSsc

A year after we lost Charlie, I still think about the time I spent with him during my campaign. His passion for ideas, debate, and free expression was contagious. But what I remember most is how deeply he loved America, his faith, and above all, his family. Dina and I are grateful to have called Charlie a friend. His impact will be felt for generations.

Washington loves telling us how divided we are. I learned otherwise in the 82nd Airborne, where a farm boy from Kansas and a college dropout from Boston trusted each other with their lives. We all loved the same country. I still believe in that America. https://t.co/ZGIstI63IY

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) announced the formation of the U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus to highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. Caucus members will work together with industry leaders and the research community to develop policies that promote U.S. leadership in science. “America’s economic strength and national security have always been powered by our ability to innovate, and that begins with world-class scientific research,” said Senator McCormick. “As we compete to maintain America’s position as the world’s leading superpower, this bipartisan caucus will help unleash the ingenuity of our scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to drive economic growth, create opportunity, and strengthen our nation.” “Science propels our economy, saves lives, and solves the problems that once seemed unsolvable,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “This caucus exists for one reason: to make sure Congress is fighting as hard for American innovation as our scientists and researchers are. The stakes are too high for anything less.” The United States has been a global economic leader for the past 50 years because of our dedication to science, technology, and innovation. Federally-funded research led to the invention of optical fibers, microchips, personal computers, mobile phones, robotics, cutting-edge medicine, and more. Jobs in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine make up 34% of the U.S. workforce. Economic activity from these fields generates 39% of U.S. GDP – over $10 trillion dollars. The United States spends only 3% of its GDP on research and development (R&D) and innovation. Federally funded R&D dollars are doubled in returns: every $1 invested generates nearly $2 in economic output. This is substantially higher than the returns on other forms of federal investment. China is overtaking the United States in R&D funding, graduating more PhDs in STEM programs, filing more international patents than the U.S., and narrowing the gap on venture capital investment. The Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus plans to host briefings, engage in roundtables and other conversations about existing and new policies, and provide a venue for discourse about new legislation to boost American scientific research and our STEM workforce. A kickoff event celebrating the caucus will be held on Monday, September 14th at the United States Capitol. ###

My grandfather campaigned for FDR because back then, Democrats stood for working families. He wouldn’t recognize the Democratic Party today. Yet Democrats still call themselves the party of FDR. If FDR were alive today, he might ask for a recount. https://t.co/wMLG1NBDqV

@RapidResponse47 We may sit on different sides of the aisle, but Pennsylvania comes first. Every time. Thank you @JohnFetterman for your friendship.

The choice this November is clear. We can dream heroic dreams and build a better future, or we can surrender to socialism. I refuse to surrender. https://t.co/WIWV5rkdJ9

Growing up in Bloomsburg, the carpet mill was the biggest employer in town. Then those jobs moved overseas. Washington told communities like ours to accept it. We said NO. Now, @Republicans are focused on making things in America again and putting American workers first. https://t.co/NYCNSwmTQg