NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Urges Congress to Pass Federal Legislation to Regulate Cryptocurrencies

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to pass federal legislation to strengthen regulations on cryptocurrencies and digital assets. In her letter, Attorney General James warns that the lack of strong federal regulations on cryptocurrencies increases the risk of fraud, criminal activity, and financial instability. Attorney General James argues that federal regulations would bolster America’s national security, strengthen its financial markets, and protect investors from cryptocurrency scams, which now account for 10 percent of all financial fraud and 50 percent of all losses from financial fraud. To better protect cryptocurrency investors, Attorney General James urges Congress to pass legislation that would require cryptocurrency companies to make a series of commitments, including registering with a regulatory body and actively identifying and preventing fraud and scams. This letter comes after the U.S. Department of Justice announced the dismantling of federal criminal cryptocurrency fraud enforcement, making a robust regulatory framework all the more critical.

    “Countless New Yorkers invest in cryptocurrency and digital assets, and more must be done to protect them and their money,” said Attorney General James. “Thousands of investors in New York and across the country have lost millions of dollars to cryptocurrency scams and fraud that could be prevented with stronger federal regulations. I am urging Congress to pass legislation that would strengthen federal regulations on the cryptocurrency industry to protect investors, strengthen financial markets, and stop fraud.”

    In her letter, Attorney General James writes that federal regulation of cryptocurrencies is needed to protect investors from price manipulation and rigged markets, prevent fraud that drains billions of dollars from hard working Americans, and strengthen America’s national security, as digital assets may be used to anonymously finance criminal operations and fund adversarial regimes. Cryptocurrency frauds have skyrocketed as their use has grown more widespread, costing Americans an estimated $12 billion in 2024.

    To address the risks associated with some cryptocurrencies, Attorney General James asks Congress to pass legislation that would:

    • Require issuers of stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency that is typically pegged to a currency for the purpose of maintaining a stable value, to have a presence in the U.S. and be subject to regulation;
    • Require backing stablecoins with U.S. dollars or treasuries;
    • Require platforms to only conduct business with anti-money laundering compliant platforms;
    • Require issuers and intermediaries to register to ensure accountability, transparency, and basic protections to the public;
    • Protect against conflicts of interest;
    • Promote price transparency;
    • Require platforms and intermediaries to actively identify and prevent fraud and scams; and
    • Disallow digital assets in retirement accounts. 

    Attorney General James writes that with stronger federal regulations on cryptocurrencies, Congress can protect financial markets, investors, and the U.S. economy.

    Attorney General James has been a national leader in holding cryptocurrency companies accountable and protecting New York investors. In January 2025, Attorney General James became one of the first regulators to provide notice of litigation by depositing a nonfungible token (NFT) into the wallets of scammers used to steal the victims’ cryptocurrency. In June 2024, Attorney General James sued cryptocurrency trading company NovaTechFx for engaging in illegal pyramid schemes that defrauded hundreds of thousands of investors, including over 11,000 New Yorkers, of over a billion dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency. In May 2024, Attorney General James secured $2 billion for defrauded victims from the cryptocurrency company Genesis Global Capital. In December 2023, Attorney General James secured more than $22 million from KuCoin, one of the largest cryptocurrency trading platforms, for failing to register as a securities and commodities broker-dealer and for falsely representing itself as a crypto exchange. In May 2023, Attorney General James secured $4.3 million from Coin Cafe for failing to register as a commodity broker-dealer and defrauding investors. In January 2023, Attorney General James and a multistate coalition recovered $24 million from the cryptocurrency platform Nexo for operating illegally. Attorney General James also sued the former CEO of Celsius for defrauding investors and concealing the company’s dire financial condition. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: M. Night Shyamalan to direct Jake Gyllenhaal Supernatural Movie in R.I.

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Providence, RI — The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is pleased to announce that Academy Award nominated writer/director, M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable) and best-selling author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, A Walk to Remember) are teaming up on a supernatural romantic thriller that will be filmed this summer in the Ocean State. The original narrative is a collaboration between Sparks and Shyamalan, with Sparks writing a book and Shyamalan writing a screenplay independently, based on the same original love story. The Blinding Edge Pictures film will star Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, Road House, Presumed Innocent).

    M. Night Shyamalan’s most recent feature “Trap”, a psychological thriller starring Josh Hartnett was released in August of 2024. His other films include “The Sixth Sense” which was nominated for 6 Oscars in 2000, “Signs” with Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix, and the “Eastrail 177 Trilogy” with the films “Unbreakable”, “Split” and “Glass”, starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy. Shyamalan will produce the film with Blinding Edge Pictures president and producing partner Ashwin Rajan, Sparks’ longtime producer Theresa Park and Marc Bienstock.

    New York Times best-selling novelist Nicholas Sparks has published 23 novels and 2 works of nonfiction. A total of 11 of those novels have been adapted as films, most notably 2004’s hit “The Notebook” starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling.

    Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, remarked, “It is a dream come true to have one of my favorite filmmakers making an original movie here in our beloved Ocean State. Night is a visionary who always attracts top-notch talent in front of and behind the camera. Rhode Island is a special location steeped in history, beauty and great mystery. With all of these amazing ingredients in the hands of a master filmmaker, we can expect M.Night Shyamalan and his outstanding team to tantalize our senses and make a movie we can all be proud of!”

    Governor Daniel J. McKee commented, “Rhode Island is excited to host the talented cast and crew of this high-quality film directed by such a master storyteller as M. Night Shyamalan. It’s great to see a new production that showcases our beautiful Ocean State. With our unique landscape and talented local artists, Rhode Island is an ideal location to film a motion picture or television series. Every time a production shoots here we see a positive impact on our local businesses. This is the type of energy that keeps moving our economy forward.”

    Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-District 23, Warwick) commented, “I am proud to continue to promote the arts and filmmaking as a thriving industry in Rhode Island. Our state provides a beautiful backdrop for a variety of major motion pictures from comedies to love stories to suspense thrillers. Furthermore, this innovative industry has proven to be an economic catalyst for the talented artists and hard-working crew members, many of whom are based right here in Rhode Island. It also provides an introduction to first-time visitors who inevitably fall in love with our Ocean State.”

    Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-District 4, North Providence, Providence) said, “The Senate is pleased to welcome another major production to our state. This project will provide good paying jobs to the talented film industry professionals based in our state, indirect jobs to area small businesses, and tremendous exposure to the charm and diversity which make our state such an attractive setting to filmmakers and visitors alike.”

    The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is a government agency under the umbrella of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Votes Against Republicans’ Disastrous Budget Proposal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    Rep. Pettersen Votes Against Republicans’ Disastrous Budget Proposal

    Legislation will rip health care away from over 400,000 Colorado kids to fund tax breaks for billionaires

    Washington, April 10, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) voted against Republicans’ reckless budget legislation that would increase the national debt by $14 trillion over the next decade, slash Medicaid and jeopardize care for 1.1 million Coloradans, and give tax cuts to billionaires like Elon Musk. 

    “As a mom of two, I can’t imagine being in a position where you cannot provide health care for your kids or put food on the table. But Republicans are pushing a completely reckless budget plan under the guise of reducing the deficit and lowering costs. We know it does the opposite. It increases our debt by trillions, makes life more expensive for hardworking families, and rips away care from those who need it most – all to give tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk.”

    “Pregnant women will lose critical care. Hospitals will be overwhelmed as more people are forced into emergency rooms. Seniors, veterans, and kids in need will have food taken off the table. People are already struggling to make ends meet. We should be focused on lowering costs, not pulling the rug out from under their feet.”

    Impacts on Colorado’s 7th Congressional District include: 

    • Putting Medicaid coverage at risk for 1.1 million Coloradans, including 111,650 people in Colorado’s 7th Congressional District 
      • This includes 431,800 Colorado kids, including 41,601 children in CO-07
      • And 12,000 seniors over the age of 65 in CO-07
    • Threatening the 61,000 people in CO-07 who count on SNAP food assistance to put food on the table
    • Jeopardizing 206,293 Colorado kids who rely on free school meals thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision
    • Harming 32,000 people who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act in CO-07, increasing their average premium by $240 per year – a 10% increase.
    • Jeopardizing 8,201 students in Colorado’s 7th Congressional District who rely on Pell Grants to pursue a higher education

    A full fact sheet is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Luttrell Votes to Support FY25 Budget Framework Focused on Border Security, Energy, and Tax Relief

    Source:

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) voted in favor of the Senate Amendment to H.Con.Res. 14, the fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget resolution. This vote is a critical step in moving forward with a budget that addresses the challenges facing our nation, including border security, national defense, and the future of our economy.

    “This budget framework sets the stage for delivering on some of the biggest priorities I hear about from folks back home — securing the border, unleashing American energy, strengthening our military, and keeping taxes low for working families and small businesses.

    I voted yes because we need to move forward with a plan that gives us the tools to rein in wasteful spending and get our fiscal house in order. The reconciliation instructions included in this resolution lay out a clear path for us to make good on conservative policies, like making the Trump tax cuts permanent, cutting red tape, and keeping our nation secure,” said Congressman Luttrell.

    Luttrell continued, “That said, I believe we need to push harder for real, enforceable savings. The House instructions call for $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, while the Senate side has just $4 billion. That’s not going to cut it when we’re staring down nearly $35 trillion in debt.

    I’m going to keep working to make sure the final product reflects real fiscal discipline.”

    The budget resolution establishes the congressional budget framework for FY 2025 and lays out recommended levels of spending, revenue, debt, and deficits for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. It also includes reconciliation instructions for both Senate and House authorizing committees, guiding efforts to enact key budgetary proposals. This includes provisions to strengthen border security, advance energy independence, bolster national security, and cut taxes to stimulate economic growth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Backed Legislation to Secure American Elections Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passedH.R. 22, the SAVE Act, a critical piece of legislation to ensure that only American citizens can register to vote in federal elections. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), a strong supporter of the bill and original cosponsor, praised the legislation’s passage and called on the Senate to follow the House’s lead.

    “American elections should be decided by American citizens—that’s what this bill guarantees,” said Miller-Meeks. “The SAVE Act is a commonsense measure that ensures proof of citizenship is required to register for federal elections and gives states the tools they need to keep non-citizens off the voter rolls. I’m proud to lead on this issue and help restore confidence in our elections.”

    The SAVE Act passedthe House with bipartisan support last Congress, only to be blocked by Senate Democrats. With President Trump back in the White House, House Republicans are committed to ensuring this commonsense legislation reaches his desk and is signed into law.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Applauds the Passage of the SAVE Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, applauded the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act today. This legislation amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, requiring individuals to provide proof of United States citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections. 

    This legislation, which Rep. Tenney cosponsored, passed the House by a vote of 220-208. 

     “American elections, laws, and elected leaders should be decided by American citizens only. The SAVE Act is common-sense legislation that safeguards this principle by ensuring only U.S. citizens can vote in our elections. It protects our most fundamental right by requiring proof of citizenship to register and remove non-citizens from voter rolls. By passing the SAVE Act today, House Republicans took a historic step toward restoring trust and strengthening the integrity of our electoral process,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Votes to Advance Budget Framework, Paving Way for Trump Tax Cuts and America First Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today released the following statement on the passage of the Senate Amendment of Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which sets the top line numbers of the budget reconciliation process.

    This legislation passed the House by a vote of 216-214.

    “Americans gave Congressional Republicans a clear mandate: reduce out-of-control government spending, secure our borders, and reignite economic growth, and we will deliver,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Today’s vote marks the next step in fulfilling that mandate: beginning the drafting process of the reconciliation bill. From here, we will begin writing the language for one big, beautiful bill. In this legislation, we are committed to preserving the historic tax cuts secured under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enhancing border security, unleashing American energy production, reeling in our national debt, and locking in DOGE savings. In addition, by passing this bill today, House Republicans reiterate our commitment to finding at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, saving the American people money from fraud, abuse and waste, while preserving essential programs.”

    “Any effort to slow this momentum now would jeopardize our ability to deliver on what the American people overwhelmingly supported in the 2024 election, especially the Trump Tax Cuts. On December 31, 2025, the Trump Tax Cuts are set to expire, triggering an average 22% tax hike for American families. In addition, 2 million family-owned farms would have their death tax exemption slashed, and 40 million families would see their household child tax credit cut in half. Preserving and expanding these tax cuts is essential for the financial security of every hard-working American.”

    “By kicking off this reconciliation process, House Republicans are taking decisive steps toward fulfilling our promises and advancing President Trump’s America First agenda.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger Presses Biden Administration Officials on Decision to Ban LNG Exports

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, questioned witnesses in the full committee hearing yesterday titled, “Converting Energy into Intelligence: The Future of AI Technology, Human Discovery, and American Global Competitiveness.”

    Earlier this year, four Department of Energy (DOE) sources revealed that the Biden administration intentionally withheld a final draft of a study that could have challenged the administration’s decision to ban LNG exports in January 2024. The decision to bury this study raises significant concerns about transparency within the Biden administration’s DOE, especially given that the study revealed LNG exports would lower emissions.

    Restricting the free flow of commodities discourages investment in critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, which in turn affects downstream consumption – ultimately making it more difficult to supply the energy needed to power data centers across the country. This is why during the hearing, Rep. Pfluger questioned David Turk, who served as the Deputy Secretary of Energy during the Biden Administration, on the former administration’s decision to pause natural gas exports despite reports that countered this decision.

    Watch Rep. Pfluger’s full line of questioning HERE or read highlights from his interaction with Mr. Turk below.

    Rep. Pfluger: Were you aware of the 2023 study’s findings prior to the January 26 decision to indefinitely ban new export authorizations under section three of the Natural Gas Act?

    Mr. Turk: So we didn’t ban any. We did the study in order to take a step back because we’ve authorized so much. Up to half of our natural gas production right now is authorized to actually go abroad and to be sold, including to China. So what we did was take a pause to complete the study. 

    Rep. Pfluger: Pause, ban, we can debate this all day long. But why was the study not released immediately after it was done?

    Mr. Turk: So it was. We released the study once the efforts finished the study. 

    Rep. Pfluger: Do you disagree that the study was more favorable to LNG than the Biden administration would have liked, and that’s why there was a pause put on LNG exports?

    Mr. Turk: The pause was so that we could do the study before making decisions and to actually have our independent experts, and the independent experts in our national labs were the ones who did the study.

    Rep. Pfluger: So do you agree that the emissions of natural gas were better and more consistent and actually more favorable than what you claimed and what Secretary Granholm claimed in the attempt to ban natural gas exports? 

    Mr. Turk: So LNG exports have a very, very significant greenhouse gas footprint. So just one project, we’re talking 4 BCF per day, that project itself has more emissions throughout the life cycle, methane emissions, but CO two combustion when that gas is burned, than 141 countries in our world. Just one facility, 141 countries in our world. That’s pretty significant. 

    Rep. Pfluger: So you stand by your decision to ban LNG exports?

    Mr. Turk: Again, we did a pause so we could do the study so that any Secretary of State could have a good independent analysis.

    Rep. Pfluger: Your decision to do that is going to impact these guys right here. It’s going to impact our ability to provide power for the AI data center.

    Background:

    This questioning follows news first reported on by the Daily Caller claiming that Biden Administration officials ‘intentionally buried’ studies to justify their major crackdown on energy.

    Rep. Pfluger also introduced the “Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act” earlier this year to shift responsibility for approving liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects out of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) hands after the department unilaterally froze approvals for such projects for most of 2024 under the Biden administration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Bar Associations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    April 09, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today met with representatives from the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Bar Foundation, Illinois State Bar Association, and American Bar Association and released the following statement:
    “I appreciated the chance to discuss legal aid, judicial security, and judicial independence with members of bar associations in Illinois and across the country today. Their work is crucial to our justice system, and I’ll keep pushing for bipartisan support to increase funding for legal aid organizations.
    “Especially at a time when judicial independence is under attack by the President, I appreciated the opportunity to stress the importance of protecting our system of checks and balances.”
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions META Whistleblower In Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    April 09, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Sarah Wynn-Williams, Facebook’s former Director of Global Public Policy, at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “A Time for Truth: Oversight of Meta’s Foreign Relations and Representations to the United States Congress.” Durbin first asked Ms. Wynn-Williams about protecting children online.
    “You made a reference in the book [Ms. Wynn-Williams’s memoir], that a lot of the executives at Facebook protected their own children from what might have been exploitation. So, these [Big Tech] executives at Facebook protected their own kids from that kind of exploitation, correct?” Durbin asked.
    Ms. Wynn-Williams highlighted the hypocrisy of these Big Tech executives—their own children were not allowed to use social media. She said, “These executives—they know the harm that this product does. They don’t allow their own teenagers to use the products that Meta develops.”
    Durbin then asked who is making the executive decisions at Meta regarding privacy and exposing American’s private material and data to the Chinese.
    “Are these decisions being made by [Meta CEO Mark] Zuckerberg himself or by boards or by open discussion? How much sensitivity was there to the fact that the decisions were historic in nature and maybe even criminal?” Durbin asked.
    Ms. Wynn-Williams responded, “you asked me in part about China. To give you just one example, at the governance level, the lead independent director on Meta’s board was also on the payroll for the China project.”
    Durbin asked, “So they had dual loyalty? 
    Ms. Wynn-Williams responded, “I think the question is around accountability and governance of this company and tech companies more generally—there needs to be a lot more accountability. I don’t think the current governance structures are anywhere close to being sufficient.”
    Durbin then asked about the quality of employees at Meta. Ms. Wynn-Williams stated that most were “amazing people” and “there were people who spoke up” but “that was not happening at the executive level. What was striking was the absence of those types of discussions at the top of the company compared to what was happening with your average people working at the company.”
    Durbin concluded by discussing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. For nearly 30 years, Section 230 has shielded Big Tech from liability for the harms they cause. Only by removing that liability shield will Big Tech finally have to take the steps companies in all other industries have to take to protect their customers.
    “Many of us believe, the Committee has voted accordingly, that if they [Big Tech] could be held accountable for their decisions, in a court of law, and find damages… that this would have more impact than some of the best speeches that we could put together as members of Congress, so we are going to work on that,” Durbin concluded.
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts. On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee.
    Last Congress, the Committee reported out Durbin and Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) STOP CSAM Act. The bipartisan legislation would crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims to sue companies that host this material, among other things. Senators plan to reintroduce it soon. 
    In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The volume of “deepfake” content available online is increasing exponentially as the technology used to create it has become more accessible to the public. The overwhelming majority of this material is sexually explicit and is produced without the consent of the person depicted.
    This Congress, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” Durbin’s opening statement from that hearing is available here, and his questions for the witnesses are available here.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly backs House budget resolution, paves way for border security funding, lower taxes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, voted in favor of the House budget resolution, which formally establishes the budgetary framework for fiscal year 2025 and sets appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026-2036.

    The resolution serves as a framework for House Republicans to advance President Trump’s legislative priorities, including border funding, energy policy, and tax cuts.

    “The American people made it clear in November: they want Congress to secure all of our nation’s borders, rein in wasteful spending, and expand American energy production. This budget resolution does just that,” Rep. Kelly said. “2025 is the Super Bowl of Tax. This resolution aims to deliver on the entirety of President Trump’s agenda and fulfill our commitment to the American people.”

    Major portions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire in 2025. In April 2024, Rep. Kelly and Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) announced the formation of ten Committee Tax Teams, comprised of Ways and Means Republican members, to address key tax provisions from the 2017 Trump tax cuts that are set to expire in 2025 and to identify legislative solutions that will continue to help families, workers, and small businesses. This included a historic Ways & Means field hearing in Erie in May 2024.

    You can learn more about Rep. Kelly’s recent work here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Velázquez, Pressley, and Brown Call on Trump Admin to Finalize Formaldehyde Ban in Hair Products

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Shontel Brown (D-OH) sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting answers on the continued delay in implementing a ban on formaldehyde in hair products.

     

    The FDA issued the proposed rule in October 2023 following a March letter from Reps. Pressley and Brown calling for an investigation into the health risks posed by chemical hair straighteners. The agency set an April 2024 implementation timeline but missed its own deadline. Although the proposed rule was added to the OMB Unified Agenda last fall, the target action date of March 2025 has passed with no further progress.

     

    “Since Fall 2024, there has been no further movement or concrete next steps regarding the implementation of the ban” wrote the lawmakers.

     

    Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen found in hair relaxers, keratin treatments, and other chemical straighteners. Its use has been linked to cancer, respiratory illness, and adverse reproductive outcomes. The letter notes that women of color are disproportionately at risk.

    “Of particular concern is the heightened health risk to Black women, who are more likely to receive or provide formaldehyde-based hair treatments, which has a disparate impact on both workers and their customers,” the lawmakers continued.

     

    The letter follows previous outreach from Reps. Velázquez, Pressley, and Brown in August 2024, when they again urged the FDA to finalize the proposed rule.

     

    In the letter, the lawmakers call on the FDA to finalize the proposed rule and ask for answers to the following questions:

     

    • Given the delay, what steps have been taken since our last inquiry to advance the formaldehyde ban?
    • Are there any current or upcoming changes to federal regulations that would impact the finalization of the proposed rule?
    • How is the FDA prioritizing this issue relative to other regulatory efforts? Are there specific challenges delaying the finalization of the rule?
    • Beyond formaldehyde, does the FDA plan to examine other hazardous chemicals commonly found in personal care products, particularly those disproportionately affecting women and communities of color? If so, what substances are under consideration?

     

    “It is essential to continue to highlight the gravity of formaldehyde exposure, as evidenced by both epidemiological data and laboratory research,” the letter concludes. “Ensuring that regulatory actions align with the best interests of public health remains the goal and we encourage promptly finalizing a proposed rule.”

     

    For a full copy of the letter, click here.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Velázquez and Ramirez Press Rubio for Answers on Human Rights Abuses at El Salvador Mega-Prison

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

    WASHINGTON– Today, Congresswomen Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL) led 21 House Democrats in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding answers and accountability for the transfer of individuals from U.S. custody to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, a prison widely condemned for human rights abuses.
     
    “We write to you with the utmost urgency and grave concern regarding the forced transfer of individuals from United States custody to a state of imprisonment in El Salvador, where they face a well-documented and imminent risk of torture, abuse, and other egregious human rights violations at CECOT,” the lawmakers wrote. “These transfers not only violate fundamental principles of international law, but they also violate U.S. laws and our nation’s commitment to human rights.”
     
    The letter cites serious concerns about violations of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 and the Convention Against Torture, which prohibit the U.S. from sending individuals to countries where they face a real risk of torture or inhumane treatment.
     
    Velázquez and Ramirez point to extreme overcrowding, the absence of due process, and the systematic use of torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment inside CECOT, as reported by human rights organizations and journalists.
     
    They also directly challenge Secretary Rubio’s recent claim that El Salvador complies with all the international requirements for imprisonment. The letter demands written proof from El Salvador that CECOT meets international human rights standards and calls for an immediate halt to additional transfers.
     
    The letter includes a series of detailed questions for the Department, including whether the U.S. has paid El Salvador to imprison people, what legal authority supports such actions, what safeguards exist for those detained in error, and whether the Office of the Legal Adviser reviewed the legality of the transfers.
     
    “The United States has a solemn legal and moral duty to uphold international law and the U.S. Constitution,” the lawmakers continued. “Anything less would constitute an unconscionable abdication of our nation’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.”
     
    In addition to Velázquez and Ramirez, the letter was also signed by Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), John Garamendi (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Greg Casar (D-TX), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).
     
    For a full copy of the letter, click here.
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT NASA INNOVATION

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, wrote a letter to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Acting Administrator Janet Petro making her own recommendations on how the agency can improve efficiency, support the dedicated employees, and strengthen the United States’ leadership in space exploration.

    Recently, Acting Administrator Petro called on NASA employees to submit suggestions to senior leadership on how the agency can improve efficiency and support the President’s “Workforce Optimization Initiative”, including methods to streamline processes, create new and better ways of working, and focus limited resources on future mission success.

    In her letter, Rep. Meng wrote, “I understand you recently invited NASA employees to share ideas to improve the agency’s efficiency. I applaud this invitation, and I hope you will pay close attention to these ideas. As you know, however, many of these employees find themselves in fear of losing their jobs and of adverse changes to the mission and capabilities of NASA. In acknowledgment of our shared support for NASA and its outstanding employees, and in support of a strong NASA that leads the world in science and human space exploration, I offer to you several ideas of my own that can improve NASA and America’s space industry and the 373,000 jobs it provides.”

    Meng’s suggestions are:

    1. Work with the White House and others in this Administration to end the self-destructive Trump tariff tax before it damages the commercial space industry and the Artemis program.
    2. Do not cut scientific research in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
    3. Do not abandon NASA’s commitment to STEM education.
    4. Make public NASA’s ethics arrangements with Elon Musk and his staff.

    Meng serves as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), which oversees NASA. Each year, the agency receives more than $20 billion in federal funding. NASA leads the study of Earth science, the solar system, and the larger universe, conducting cutting-edge research to advance science and technology and improve the lives of people all over the world.

    A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG-ELECTED OFFICIALS ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS FOR FLOODING

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and other elected officials from Queens issued the following joint statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to revoke federal money to address flooding in Queens, in particular cuts to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The elected officials include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, State Senators John Liu and Jessica Ramos; Assembly Members Catalina Cruz, Larinda Hooks, Jessica González-Rojas and Nily Rozic; and Council Members Francisco Moya and Sandra Ung.

    “The Administration’s decision to slash more than $300 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects across New York State is unacceptable and it will have devastating impacts in Queens. This includes vital funding to combat flooding, such as cutting $46 million through the Kissena Corridor Cloudburst Hub and $47 million for the Corona East Cloudburst Hub. We all remember how Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on our borough. Lives were lost, and homes and businesses sustained extensive damage. We fought hard for these needed funds and without the money, more lives and property will be put at risk. We should be better prepared against the threat of future flooding and mitigate the effects of severe storms and heavy rainfall which we continue to experience year after year. But slashing this funding will leave us less prepared and susceptible to more devastation. We urge the administration to immediately abandon this reckless decision.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG: U.S. ARMY VETERAN FROM QUEENS UNJUSTLY FIRED FROM NYC VETERANS HOSPITAL GETS JOB BACK

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    Congresswoman’s constituent, Luke Graziani, has been rehired after he was her guest at the President’s address to Congress last month to stand against mass terminations of federal employees; Graziani was among these tens of thousands of laid off workers

    QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that Luke Graziani, the veteran from Woodside, Queens who was unjustly fired from his job at a New York City veterans hospital, has been reinstated to his position, and is back at work at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx.

    Graziani, 45, was rehired after Meng brought him as her guest to President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress last month (on March 4) to stand against the ongoing mass firings of federal employees and veterans. He was among these tens of thousands of federal workers that the new administration has unfairly terminated across numerous federal agencies over the past several weeks. 

    Graziani is a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who is a public affairs officer at the hospital. He was abruptly laid off in February and returned to work nearly two weeks ago. Meng had intervened with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on his behalf urging the agency to reinstate him, and he was rehired after a federal judge last month ordered the Department, and other federal agencies, to reinstate probationary workers who were terminated.

    Prior to working at the medical center, Graziani served two tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. 

    “I’m glad the Administration has been forced to walk back some of its indiscriminate firings, but people like Luke should have never been terminated,” said Congresswoman Meng. “I am pleased that his attending the President’s speech as my guest sent a powerful message that these mass layoffs of federal workers and veterans is unacceptable. We have not forgotten about the many employees who continue to be impacted, and I renew my call for them to be brought back to the federal workforce.”

    “After the trauma of being terminated through a thoughtless and robotic email, returning to my role at the VA feels like justice has been restored,” said Graziani. “I’m thankful to Congresswoman Meng for giving me space to stand beside her in bringing national attention to these indiscriminate firings. While I’m back doing the work I love—supporting fellow veterans—I remain concerned for dedicated public servants still fighting to regain their positions and for the looming threat of future force reductions. This experience has, if nothing else, reinforced my belief in the importance of standing up for what’s right.” 

    Graziani is the father of four children and his Woodside home is located in Meng’s congressional district.

    In Congress, Meng has worked to assist veterans by sponsoring and supporting legislation, securing funding and spearheading local initiatives.         

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG HAILS NASA ASTRONAUT – WHO RECENTLY VISITED QUEENS – FOR ARRIVING AT INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) hailed NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim – who recently visited Queens – for arrivingat the International Space Station this morning in his first spaceflight.  

    In October 2022, Meng brought Kim to the borough where he met and spoke with local students at Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows and the Queens College School for Math, Science and Technology in Flushing. Meng and Kim also hosted a luncheon with local Korean American leaders in Flushing.

    During his trip to Queens, Meng introduced him to the students, and Kim talked about becoming an astronaut, space exploration, overcoming challenges and his remarkable life and career.  

    “I remember seeing the excitement from Queens students when Jonny Kim came to their school and how they were inspired by his story,” said Meng. “I’m thrilled to now see him arriving in space and I wish him all the best in this important mission.”

    Kim arrived at the International Space Station with two Russian cosmonauts and is scheduled to stay aboard the orbital outpost for eight months. During the mission, he will conduct scientific research in technology development, Earth science, biology, human research and more. 

    A child of South Korean immigrants, Kim was selected by NASA in 2017 after serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL, receiving the Silver Star and Bronze Star and earning a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. 

    Meng is the top Democrat on the House subcommittee that funds NASA and is proud to have secured money for the space agency to fund missions like these.    

    Kim’s full bio can be viewed here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Joins New York Congressional Delegation in Request to Meet HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy on Cuts to NY State Health Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) joined all 19 Democratic Members from New York in sending a letter, led by Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy requesting a meeting to discuss the unprecedented attacks on New York State’s health funding. 

    “This funding cut will have a detrimental impact on New Yorkers who have dedicated years of their lives to public service and helping their communities,” Rep. Meeks said. “I receive daily calls from my constituents who are furious about the job losses the Trump administration has created. HHS was designed to protect the well-being of Americans, not strip away vital services that allow for safe and effective health care.” 

    The Members wrote in the letter:

    “We write regarding the Trump administration’s recent attempt to rescind more than $11 billion in congressionally authorized funding from state and local health departments across the country. Under these cuts, New York state health departments will lose an estimated $400 million in critical health funding, with $100 million of that being pulled from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene alone. As a result of these actions, the New York State Department of Health has laid off more than 200 public health workers, including 50 full time staff and 168 public health fellows…Every single one of our constituents will be impacted by these actions.” 

    The letter explains that at least 200 community-based organizations that provide mental health, maternal health, and other life-saving services have had their funding jeopardized, and that rescinding congressionally mandated funding is illegal and has already been blocked by a federal judge. The lawmakers conclude by requesting a meeting with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and his staff no later than April 22, 2025. 

    The letter was signed by the entire Democratic New York delegation totaling 19 lawmakers. This includes: Representatives Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Grace Meng (NY-06), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Josh Riley (NY-19), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).   

    Read the full letter, here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Urges Federal Housing Finance Agency to Reverse Decision that Prevents Homeownership Access

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and 17 other Members of Congress sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) urging it to reverse its March 25 directive ending Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s support for Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs).

    SPCPs are authorized under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act which help address systemic inequities in housing by expanding access to mortgage credit for minority, low-income, rural, and first-time homebuyers. In 2023, these programs helped more than 14,000 households secure affordable home loans and over $5 million in down payment and closing cost assistance.

    “For far too long, structural disparities in our housing and lending markets have excluded historically marginalized communities, especially low-income families and rural residents from homeownership and the opportunity to build generational wealth,” said Congressman Meeks. “Rolling back support for SPCPs undercuts that progress and sends the wrong message about our commitment to equity.”

    Rep. Meeks urges FHFA to immediately reconsider this harmful directive and pursue inclusive solutions that move us closer to fair and affordable homeownership for everyone.

    Read the full letter, here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone: House Republicans Want to Let Banks Rob You


    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement ahead of a House vote to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rule capping excessive overdraft fees:

    “Trump promised to lower egg prices. Instead, Republicans are gutting the rules to let banks charge you $35 per transaction to use your own checking account.  Overdraft fees are one of the most predatory practices in the financial system, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule finally puts guardrails in place. Repealing it means banks can run up the score on their customers with $35 fees even for small transactions. This is a Republican handout to the financial industry at the expense of everyday Americans. I’m voting no,” said Pallone.

    The CFPB — established in the wake of the 2008 financial crash — finalized the overdraft fee rule in December after years of research and public input. The rule would cap overdraft charges and save consumers billions each year. Repealing it allows banks to continue charging as much as $35 per overdraft — often for small, short-term charges that disproportionately hit low-income families. According to the CFPB, the final rule is expected to result in $5 billion in annual overdraft fee savings to consumers, or $225 per household that pays overdraft fees. The overdraft final rule will take effect on October 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Advances TICKET Act After Musk Blocked Consumer Reform Last Year

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the bipartisan TICKET Act—a major consumer protection bill to crack down on deceptive ticketing practices—was approved today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Pallone, the Committee’s top Democrat, helped broker a bipartisan agreement last year to pass the bill, but it was blocked by Republicans at the eleventh hour after Elon Musk tweeted his opposition to the legislative package, which included the Pascrell-Pallone provision to deliver transparency and major savings to concertgoers.

    “We had a deal to pass the TICKET Act last year as part of a broader spending agreement but that deal was blown up by a tweet from billionaire Elon Musk,” said Pallone. “A billionaire torpedoed a bipartisan consumer protection package, and Republicans let it happen. Today’s vote moves us one step closer to finally delivering relief for fans.”

    The TICKET Act requires upfront pricing for all live event tickets, bans speculative ticket listings, guarantees refunds for canceled or postponed events, and prohibits misleading resale sites. 

    Pallone has long championed consumer protections in the ticketing industry, introducing the BOSS and SWIFT Act in 2023 alongside his late colleague, Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09). Key provisions from that bill are included in the TICKET Act.

    “My friend Bill Pascrell was a fearless advocate for fairness in the ticketing marketplace,” Pallone said. “He knew what a racket this system had become, and he fought every day to make it better for fans. Today’s vote reflects years of work we did together to stop hidden fees, deceptive websites, and price gouging.”

    Pallone also criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order on ticket pricing, signed last week, as a hollow alternative to real legislative action.

    “Trump’s executive order was nothing more than a headline grab. If Republicans are serious about fixing this broken system, they should work with us to bring the TICKET Act up for a vote on the House floor right away,” Pallone said. “Our bill actually delivers real reforms that consumers have been demanding for years.”

    The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over consumer protection and the ticketing industry, passed the TICKET Act with bipartisan support during Tuesday’s markup. The bill must now be passed by the full House. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone, 24 Armenian Caucus Members Urge Direct, Proactive American Engagement in South Caucasus Peace Negotiations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), David Valadao (CA-22), and Brad Sherman (CA-32) and 21 additional bipartisan members sent a letter today to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz requesting strong American engagement in the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The United States has the potential to help secure an historic deal for this decades long conflict, and the letter encourages the Trump Administration to take additional steps to achieve this goal.

    “We welcome recent efforts to ensure a negotiated and peaceful settlement of this long-standing conflict. We also strongly agree with Secretary Rubio’s statement that “now is the time to commit to peace” in the South Caucasus and NSA Waltz’s call to “finalize this peace deal now, release the prisoners, and work together to make the region more secure and prosperous.” To ensure a sustainable peace, the U.S. must play a pivotal role in preventing any additional barriers to the signing of a formal document between the two sides.”

    “As Armenia seeks to reduce its dependence on Russia and pivot toward the West, securing a lasting peace in the South Caucasus is a national security imperative and directly in line with President Trump’s global peace initiatives. Considering Azerbaijan’s ongoing threats toward Armenia and the risk this poses to a fragile peace process, we believe the United States has a responsibility to pursue important confidence and security-building measures.”

    The full list of cosigners includes: Representatives Pallone (NJ-06), Valadao (CA-22), Sherman (CA-32), Bilirakis (FL-12), Amo (RI-01), Chu (CA-28), Costa (CA-21), Friedman (CA-30), Gottheimer (NJ-05), Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Lawler (NY-17), S. Lee (NV-03), Lofgren (CA-19), Magaziner (RI-02), McGovern (MA-03), Min (CA-47), Mullin (CA-15), Norton (DC-AL), Omar (MN-05), (Pingree (ME-01), Sánchez (CA-38), Schakowsky (IL-09), Schneider (IL-10), Stevens (MI-11), Trahan (MA-03)

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Floor Remarks Opposing Republican Budget Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as the Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, spoke yesterday during floor debate in opposition to the Republican budget resolution, legislation that would pave the way for GOP tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The resolution passed with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against.

    Beyer’s remarks follow below, and video is available here.

    I rise today in strong opposition to this budget resolution, a recipe for economic disaster for our country.

    Americans have been clear – they want lower prices and an economy that works for them. Yet, at every turn, this budget, this Administration, and my Republican colleagues are doubling down on policies that undermine our economy and make wealth equality even worse.

    I spent much of the day with Trade Ambassador Greer and it is clear that the Administration’s myth that tariffs will reshape the U.S. economy by bullying our closest allies is nothing more than a fantasy.

    The Trump tariffs represent the largest tax hike in American history. They have caused chaos in the markets, and stripped [trillions] from Americans’ retirement plans. Consumer confidence is plummeting, reaching its lowest level in 12 years, and economists are increasingly convinced we are headed for a recession.

    This budget will balloon our deficits, leading to higher interest rates. It will slash critical investments, and it will decimate essential programs that support the people we represent.

    All of this to help billionaires and corporations get tax cuts that they do not need and our country cannot afford.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Celebrates the Induction of San Benito’s Freddy Fender into the National Recording Registry

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement reacting to San Benito’s own Freddy Fender’s induction into the 2025 Class of the National Recording Registry. His song, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” which released in January 1975 and reached number 1 on the Billboard Pop and Country Charts, was selected among thousands of potential nominees.

    “South Texas has some of the best musical talent in the country, and it is wonderful to see yet another Tejano musician being honored at the highest levels,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Freddy Fender was an outstanding musician who left a legacy of musical excellence. With his nomination, the National Recording Registry affirms what South Texans always knew — Tejano music is American music. Freddy Fender makes us even prouder to be where we’re from.”

    Since 2002, the National Recording Registry, a program of the Library of Congress, selects songs or sound recordings deemed culturally or historically important for preservation. This year, 25 recordings were chosen. Joining Freddy Fender’s hit song were Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Chicago’s debut “Chicago Transit Authority,” and the original cast recording of Broadway’s “Hamilton,” among others. For more information on all inductees, click here. 

     

    El Congresista Gonzalez Celebra la Inducción de Freddy Fender de San Benito al Registrio Nacional de Grabaciones   

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, el Congresista Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34)publico un comunicado en respuesta a la inducción de Freddy Fender de San Benito a la Clase 2025 del Registro Nacional de Grabaciones. Su canción, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”, lanzada en enero de 1975,  fue seleccionada entre miles de posibles nominados y alcanzo número uno en las listas Billboard Pop y Country.  

    “El sur de Texas tiene unos de los mejores talentos musicales del país, y es maravilloso ver a otro músico tejano siendo honrado en los niveles más altos”, dijo el Congresista Gonzalez. “Freddy Fender fue un músico excepcional que dejó un legado de excelencia musical. Con su nominación, el Registro Nacional de Grabacion es afirma lo que los tejanos del sur siempre supieron: la música tejana es música estadounidense. Freddy Fender nos hace sentir aún más orgullosos de ser de donde somos”.  

    Desde el 2002, el Registro Nacional de Grabaciones, un programa de la Biblioteca del Congreso, a seleccionado canciones o grabaciones que se consideran culturalmente o históricamente importantes para su preservación. Este año, se eligieron 25 grabaciones incluyendo: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” de Elton John; el debut de Chicago “Chicago Transit Authority”; y la grabación del elenco original de “Hamilton” de Broadway. Para obtener más in formación sobre todos los nuevos miembros, haga clic aquí.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff Introduces Bill to Protect Supreme Court Justices from Intimidation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Brandon Gill (R-TX) introduced the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation will increase the maximum term of imprisonment for those who attempt to intimidate and influence the decision-making process of a Supreme Court Justice from one year to five years. 

    “Anyone who intimidates or threatens a Supreme Court Justice should face severe consequences under the law,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will increase the penalty for attempting to influence the decision making of a Supreme Court Justice. As a former United States Attorney, I believe it is essential to uphold the sanctity of our judicial system and protect our Supreme Court Justices from outside influence.”

    Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate. 

    “Supreme Court Justices must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation, harm, or violence against them or their families,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will deter intimidation of our Justices and send a clear message that anyone who attempts to harm them will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Background: 
    In the aftermath of the unprecedented May 2022 leak of the draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, far-left protesters immediately began demonstrating outside of the private residences of Supreme Court Justices. Subsequently, a map with the home addresses of five Republican-appointed Justices — Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett—was posted online.

    Federal law explicitly prohibits attempts at influencing the decision-making process of a judge. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 1507 states that any individual who, “with the intent of influencing any judge . . . in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades . . . in or near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge” is subject to criminal monetary penalties or a maximum of one year of imprisonment, or both. Section 1507 was intended to enable our judges to carry out their duty to uphold the rule of law, without fear of intimidation or retribution for doing so.

    Under President Joe Biden and Attorney General Garland, following the Dobbs leak, zero protesters outside of Supreme Court Justices’ homes were arrested for violating Section 1507. Just as troubling, the Biden Department of Justice did not issue any guidance on enforcing this statute. With President Trump back at in the White House, the Justice Department will finally focus on law and order. Nevertheless, it’s still critical that Congress act to deter this intimidation of our federal judiciary.

    The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act would increase the maximum term of imprisonment for violation of Section 1507 from one year to five years.

     

    Click here for the full text of the bill. 
     

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kustoff Introduces the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) introduced the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act in the House of Representatives. This bill protects small businesses and taxpayers by bolstering taxpayer protections, prohibiting improper Internal Revenue Service (IRS) targeting of taxpayers, compensating taxpayers for IRS abuse, and lowering the regulatory burden on taxpayers.

    “Small businesses are the engine that runs our economy. As such, small businesses should be focused on what is important – growing and creating jobs. They should not have to deal with burdensome and costly IRS regulations,” said Congressman Kustoff. “I introduced the Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act to hold the IRS accountable and give small business owners the support they need.” 

    Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate.

    “Each year, Tax Day reminds us that small business owners must spend thousands of hours conforming to IRS requirements instead of boosting the economy and creating jobs,” said Senator Cornyn. “This bill lowers the compliance burden, strengthens taxpayer protections, and ensures small businesses are not targeted for additional scrutiny based on their politics.”

     

    Click here to read the full text of the bill. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Babin Backs Budget Blueprint to Deliver Trump’s America First Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

    Babin Backs Budget Blueprint to Deliver Trump’s America First Agenda

    Washington, April 10, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) voted in favor of the Budget Resolution that paves the way for Congress to implement President Donald Trump’s agenda. 

    I proudly voted in support of the Budget Resolution because it keeps our promise to the American people and advances President Trump’s America First agenda. This plan delivers exactly what we need: serious border security, historic spending cuts, and permanent tax relief for working families,” said Congressman Babin. “House Republicans are paving the way for what President Trump rightly calls “THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL.” It’s time to get this deal DONE and give the American people a government that works for them, not against them. This legislation secures our future, restores our economy, and puts America back on top.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly, Health Subcommittee Democrats March to Health Department, RFK Jr. Refuses to Meet

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01), and five more members of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee marched to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today to demand a meeting with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After waiting in the lobby for almost half an hour, Secretary Kennedy nor his office responded to schedule a meeting to explain recent layoffs and restructuring of HHS.

    “RFK Jr. is a coward. He followed orders from Elon Musk to fire 10,000 HHS employees, eliminated half of the HHS regional offices – including the one in Chicago that serves the Midwest – and now refuses to answer questions,” said Rep. Kelly. “Americans’ health should not be in the hands of RFK Jr., who refutes basic scientific truths. These DOGE-led layoffs are cruel, politically motivated, and will irreversibly damage public health.”

    On March 27, Secretary Kennedy announced the termination of 10,000 employees, bringing the total number of layoffs to 20,000 at HHS. He has refused to brief the House health subcommittee and Senate committee.

    Five out of 10 HHS regional offices in Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago were closed, notably affecting liberal regions of the country. These offices served a total of 22 states and 166 million Americans.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly, House Democrats Holds Hearing on Republican Cuts Targeting Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), co-chair of the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee, held a hearing on the Republicans’ damaging scheme to cut veterans’ benefits. Rep. Kelly heard directly from three veterans, including one who was recently fired by President Donald Trump from a senior post at Veterans Affairs (VA).

    Rep. Kelly asked witness Sharda Fornnarrino, who is a nurse at the VA, what she would tell President Trump and Elon Musk regarding their service cuts.

    “I would tell them, ‘We’re not going to give up on the VA,’” said Fornnarrino. “We’ll continue to organize and fight back against their attacks. Our nurses are really proud to work at the VA.”

    Rep. Kelly adjourned the hearing with the following full transcript:

    “Donald Trump’s extreme policies aren’t just tanking our economy and making life harder on the American people. Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and extremists appointed in their Administration are specifically targeting our nation’s veterans. They are denying veterans the care they deserve by defunding VA hospitals, closing offices, and taking a chainsaw to programs like Social Security. They are breaking the promise of the PACT Act. Freezing funding. Stopping hiring.

    “They have fired thousands of veteran workers from important jobs in our government—jobs that make sure Americans get their benefits on time, that air travel remains safe, and so much more.

    “With more than 16 million veterans in America, you would think—or at the very least hope—that Donald Trump and Elon Musk would have their best interests at heart.

    “But they don’t. Instead of standing up for those 16 million veterans, Trump and Musk are standing up for the handful of billionaire donors that are bankrolling the Republican Party.

    “And just as they do that, they are triggering a reckless economic disaster right before our eyes. Democrats stand with our veterans and the American people. We believe in protecting hard-earned benefits—not prioritizing a billionaire’s bottom line.

    “We know that we owe a debt to each and every single man and woman that has served our nation in uniform. Donald Trump might not care about repaying those debts, but Democrats absolutely do care. That is our job. George, James, Sharda, Will—know this: We will not stop fighting for you.”

    Watch the full hearing here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly on Abrupt ATF Director Change

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement on the new director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). FBI Director Kash Patel was abruptly removed as Acting Director and replaced by U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, as reported exclusively by Reuters.

    “Every day, over 110 Americans die from gun violence – and the Trump administration is playing musical chairs with the department in charge of enforcing gun safety laws. The ATF needs a director dedicated to the job, and not someone who will split time with another job. By naming U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to also lead the ATF, President Trump continues to militarize our law enforcement. Gun crimes like straw purchasing and trafficking have serious and deadly consequences. The ATF must be at full capacity to enforce those laws.”

    MIL OSI USA News –