NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Awards More Than $1 Million to Replace Helendale Township Bridge in Richland County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a total of $1,166,291 in federal funding to Richland County to replace the Helendale Bridge, an 82-foot, single-span steel truss bridge which was damaged from a severe winter storm and flooding event between April 22 – May 25, 2022.

    The structure will be replaced with a 142-foot, three-span concrete bridge using contract services which follow consensus-based codes and construction sstandards. The award will fund full demolition, excavation, foundation fill, rip rap, and bridge construction.

    While FEMA originally denied replacing the bridge, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) worked with state officials to press the agency to approve federal assistance.

    “The severe storms in April and May of 2022 caused major damages to North Dakota’s transportation and electrical infrastructure,” said Cramer. “In rural North Dakota, crossings like this are often the only option for residents for miles. This is a much-needed replacement for those affected by the damage to the Helendale Bridge, while also helping to mitigate the impacts of future disasters.”

    The North Dakota delegation wrote a letter in support of the state’s request for a presidential disaster declaration, which was submitted by then-Governor Doug Burgum on June 23, 2022. Former President Joe Biden approved the Major Disaster Declaration the next month on July 14.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unions, Retirees File Motion for Preliminary Injunction to Halt Unlawful DOGE Access to Social Security Data as New Facts Emerge

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Filing Seeks to Restore Control Over SSA’s Data Systems and Suspend DOGE’s Unlawful Activity Until the Lawsuit is Resolved

    Baltimore, MD — Today, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in federal court to stop the ongoing, unlawful access to sensitive personal data by Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) at the Social Security Administration (SSA). DOGE’s intrusion has already put millions at risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and doxxing. 

    The filing follows a lawsuit brought by Democracy Forward on behalf of the organizations and an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed last month. On March 20, a federal court ordered, for the first time since Trump took office, that DOGE return or destroy all private Social Security data it accessed, recognizing that stopping DOGE’s future access to the data was not enough to protect Americans. 

    Since then, new facts have further exposed the breadth and urgency of the harm to retirees, teachers, and everyday Americans who rely on the SSA and have entrusted it with highly sensitive personal and financial information.

    The plaintiffs seek relief while the case develops to block DOGE personnel’s access to SSA systems, which include bank account numbers, health records, immigration status, and wage histories of tens of millions of Americans. The preliminary injunction application argues that the access violates the Privacy Act, Social Security Act, and Internal Revenue Code, and Administrative Procedure Act and that DOGE is acting far beyond the legal authority of any executive agency.

    “Today, we take another step forward in our case to block Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing Social Security Administration data,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “Working people and retirees deserve assurance that their sensitive information remains safe and not in the hands of Musk’s unvetted lackeys – some of whom were working with this data before their background checks were even final. Despite being continually asked by the court, this administration has still failed to answer why they need this information. This unelected billionaire and his cronies have no rightful claim to our critical data, and we are committed to proving that in court.” 

    “With every passing day, Americans’ personal and financial data is further jeopardized by Elon Musk’s actions,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Absent immediate relief, working families are at risk of having their private information stolen and exploited, all because an unelected billionaire has decided to raid this sensitive data for his own ends. The promise of Social Security is that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can retire with dignity and grace. Elon Musk is breaking that basic bond of trust and must be stopped immediately before he lays waste to the savings working people have spent their lives building up.”

    “Older Americans are rightly alarmed about what is happening at the Social Security Administration and worried about whether their most sensitive information is safe,” said Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. “We will continue to fight in court to make sure that our personal and financial data remains secure.”

    “Millions of people have shared their most sensitive information with the Social Security Administration because they trusted that it would be protected and used appropriately,” said Anne Swift, Senior Counsel at Democracy Forward. “That trust is now being broken. DOGE’s unlawful access to Social Security’s data systems put the American people at risk–not only of privacy violations but also of losing access to the benefits they depend on to support themselves and their families. The harm is already happening, and we are asking the court to step in to prevent it from escalating further.”

    Read the complaint here, the motion for temporary restraining order here, and the motion for preliminary injunction here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA unveils strategic economic diversification plan amid US tariffs

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the economic impact of new United States tariffs, focusing on export diversification, value-added production, and strengthening regional trade partnerships.

    This is after United States President, Donald Trump, announced global reciprocal tariffs on most imported goods, with South Africa facing a 31% tariff increase.

    “The new tariff regime arising from the decision by the United States of America, which have been directed not only to South Africa, but the entire world, necessitates strategic responses to maintain and grow our industrial base, as a crucial avenue to pursue inclusive growth,” the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said on Friday. 

    Lamola was speaking during a joint media briefing with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. 

    He informed journalists that South Africa will continue to tackle the challenges and seize opportunities with resilience and innovation, as the country moves forward with ensuring economic growth, industrial development, and the well-being of its citizens.

    Lamola outlined plans to navigate the challenges posed by the 31% tariffs set to take effect from 9 April 2025.

    These include negotiating favourable trade agreements with the United States; leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade; and prioritising high-value manufacturing to reduce tariff exposure. 

    In addition, he said government remains committed to building economic resilience, exploring alternative market access through existing trade agreements and strategic partnerships with countries across various regions.

    “We will intensify efforts to diversify export destinations, targeting markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas,” the Minister stated. 

    According to Lamola, government aims to reduce dependence on single export markets and foster economic resilience.

    Meanwhile, he announced that the State will invest strategically in industries impacted by the tariffs, supporting economic growth through modernisation and targeted infrastructure development.

    The sweeping tariff measures will affect several sectors of South Africa’s economy, including automotive, industrial agriculture, processed food and beverage, chemical, metals, and other segments of manufacturing.

    According to Lamola, South Africa’s tariff and industrial strategy are designed to support industrial development, employment growth, and economic resilience. 

    “By aligning these policies with the national interest, South Africa will ensure that its economy emerges stronger, more diversified, and resilient in the face of global trade complexities,” he explained.

    This approach will also apply to the 7 February Executive Order, which led to the withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition (JET) partnership with South Africa.

    “South Africa’s average tariff is 7.6% and therefore South Africa needs clarity on the basis for the 31% to be implemented by the US.”

    Lamola clarified that products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, and energy and energy products, have been exempted from the reciprocal tariffs.

    These reciprocal tariffs will also not apply to products already facing Section 232 tariffs of 25%, such as steel, aluminium, automobiles, and auto parts.

    Currently, the Minister said the United States represents 7.45% of South Africa’s total exports, while South Africa accounts for only 0.4% of the United States’ imports.

    “As such, South Africa does not constitute a threat to the US, and there is a trade imbalance in favour of South Africa. It is mainly on agricultural products, which are counter-cyclical, and on minerals, which are inputs in US industries.”

    Highlighting the potential impact, Lamola noted that the tariffs “effectively nullify the preference that Sub-Saharan African countries enjoy under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).”

    However, despite the challenges, Lamola said government remains optimistic. 

    “The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial agreement with the US, that will establish more fair-trade relations with the US as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty,” Lamola added. 

    Transparency in tariff calculations

    Meanwhile, Tau stressed the need for confirmation from the United States on how they arrived at the tariff number, referencing international norms and standards.

    He also highlighted the importance of transparency in tariff calculations, using World Trade Organisation (WTO) standards and the most favoured nations mechanism.

    “And that’s why we are advocating for a reform of the World Trade Organisation and ensuring that it’s able to adapt to current reality, but also ensuring that we’re able to reinforce a multilateral system of trade and transparency across the board. Otherwise, you’re going to have an environment where there are no global rules,” Tau added. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CassidyDelivers Floor Speech on the National Debt, Saving the American Dream

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor urging Congress to address the United States’ crushing national debt ahead of the budget resolution vote. Cassidy stressed that Congress must balance the national budget to preserve the American Dream.     
    “President Trump recognizes the relationship between our national debt and the family’s ability to achieve the American Dream… Balancing the budget is a key part of preserving the American dream,” said Dr. Cassidy.
    “Given the commitment from leadership to pay for this bill by a variety of means, whether it is within the reconciliation vehicle or outside of that process, and the need to reestablish confidence among those making business decisions and creating jobs, I will vote for this budget resolution,” continued Dr. Cassidy.  
    “I want America to be great for all Americans. That we can all live to the limits of our God given gifts. Creating opportunity is part of this. I hope, my expectation is that through this process we will create more opportunity to express God-given gifts, to achieve the American Dream,” concluded Dr. Cassidy.
    Background
    Earlier this week, Cassidy joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss the need to address our national debt. In March, Cassidy penned an op-ed in The Hill highlighting the need for Congress to address the national debt and put an end to runaway spending moving the American Dream further out of reach for many families.
    Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:
    Mr. President, 
    Our country has some pretty severe economic challenges. I’m not talking about the recent stock market losses, although those are quite important to someone with a 401k. 
    I’m talking about how real Americans, average Americans, feel as if the American Dream of homeownership, of buying a new car or truck, of affording a student loan is slipping out of their grasp. 
    We saw this fear during the Biden administration when inflation was so high that interest rates rose. As interest rates rose, so did consumer interest rates on all sorts of things that directly impact the ability of a family to realize the American Dream. 
    This speech is about how do we preserve the ability of American families to achieve that dream and how what we are doing today impacts that. 
    It may seem pretty distant to the people watching at home, but what we are discussing today does directly impact this. 
    How much money the federal government borrows and how much this budget resolution leads to increased indebtedness sounds abstract but has a real impact on the American Dream.
    Some of the process discussions that normally wouldn’t matter to you if you’re outside of Congress are actually very important to this discussion on how much we’re going to borrow and how achievable the American Dream is for folks in Louisiana–the folks I represent.
    Let me explain. As our country borrows more money, it begins to compete with businesses, individuals, and families for the money that is out there to borrow. The federal government will always get the first amount. This drives up interest rates, which means that you pay more for your mortgage, car note, student loan and everything else.
    The only way to stop this from happening is for the federal government to live within its means. I think the inflation of the last four years is one of the main reasons the American people voted for President Trump. The Biden administration did not live within their means. The people wanted change. 
    President Trump recognizes the relationship between our national debt and the family’s ability to achieve the American Dream. In his joint address to Congress last month, he spoke both of renewing this Dream and of his desire to balance the nation’s budget.  
    I agree with him. Balancing the budget is a key part of preserving the American dream.
    Why is this important now? Our country is $36 trillion in debt now. We are scheduled to add another $21 trillion over the next 10 years if we do nothing. But if we do some of what we are speaking of today, but don’t pay for it, we will add another $5 to $11 trillion on top of the $21 trillion I mentioned. I’m a doctor–I’m going to borrow a term from medicine, we’d call this Congressional malpractice.
    At some point, the problem begins to build upon itself. Currently a fifth of tax revenue is used to pay interest on the debt. That is more than we spend on the national defense. Let me say that again. Right now, we’re paying more paying back people who lent us money than we are spending to keep our country safe, including paying our troops.
    There is an historian, Niall Ferguson, who says that this is the mark of a country in decline. Paying more on interest than you are on defense.
    Just last summer when he was still in the private sector, Treasury Secretary Bessent made a similar point in a Fox News op-ed. 
    He wrote that “America’s next national security crisis is lurking in our pocketbooks.” 
    That “our escalating debt crisis hurts national security in three key takeaways: it diminishes our financial ‘surge capacity,’ it robs our private sector of capital for productive investment, and it imperils America’s preeminent role in international financial markets.”
    Secretary Bessent is right–this is a threat to our national security and to the economic security of the American family.
    And families planning their budget know this. That’s why they live within their means. We should learn from them.
    Let’s discuss the budget resolution before us. To be sure, this resolution only sets up the discussion on the reconciliation bill. The reconciliation bill is where we will actually establish how much is spent and where it is spent. Nonetheless, this points in a direction and establishes an approach.
    Let me address my colleagues here about the process that has led up to this point. There has been a lot of Washington debate about using current policy versus the current law as baseline in this budget resolution. Current policy has never been used as baseline involving this much money in a reconciliation bill.
    The practical consequences of this is that using current policy increases the cost of this bill by $3.8 trillion. That is the difference between the red dotted line and the solid red line on this chart. 
    I have discussed this extensively with my Senate colleagues. There is a commitment from the President Trump and the White House to work with senators to go through the budget line by line to see where there can be savings. 
    The White House and Congress will work together to decrease the regulatory hassle that keeps our economy from achieving its full potential. This will increase revenue. 
    The president is working extremely hard now to make government work more efficiently, which saves taxpayers money.
    I have been assured that there is a commitment in other ways to pay for an eventual reconciliation bill.
    I am not saying that I think it is better that we use current policy as baseline. It establishes a dangerous precedent. It might be within the rules to do so, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so. And to be a conservative is to know that sometimes you don’t open Pandora’s box, even if you can.
    And using current policy as baseline should not suggest to us that the current tax code is perfect. Far from it. According to publicly available information, Jeff Bezos got a child tax credit several years ago. Tax credits are supposed to go to middle income and lower income Americans, not to the second richest man in the world. Certainly, we can address that.
    But this vote is not taking place in a vacuum. It is taking place when the stock market has had two successive days of greater than 1500 points decline. This creates uncertainty which makes companies less likely to invest, which makes it less likely that new jobs will be created. Creating new good paying jobs is an essential to achieving the American dream. Not passing this budget resolution could increase the uncertainty in the economy, and that is something I do not wish to do.
    Given the commitment from leadership to pay for this bill by a variety of means, whether it is within the reconciliation vehicle or outside of that process, and the need to reestablish confidence among those making business decisions and creating jobs, I will vote for this budget resolution.  
    As we move on from this budget resolution to the reconciliation bill, I will look to make sure that we are truly addressing the national debt. 
    I will also encourage the use of America’s abundance as a way to both increase the possibility of Americans achieve the American dream and as a way to potentially pay for the government we now have. I applaud President Trump for advocating greater exploration of oil and gas. This creates great paying jobs, a tax base for communities, and significant revenue for the federal government. This is just one example of using America’s abundance for the benefit of us all. 
    I proposed other solutions that can address our nations indebtedness without raising taxes are cutting benefits. I have spoken to these in the past and will continue to advocate for them in the future.
    I want America to be great for all Americans. That we can all live to the limits of our God given gifts. Creating opportunity is part of this. I hope, my expectation is that through this process we will create more opportunity to express God-given gifts, to achieve the American dream. 
    With that I yield.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Statement on President Trump’s Senseless Tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Philadelphia – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the Trump Administration’s global tariff policies:

    “The Trump Administration’s flagrant ineptitude is tanking our economy in a self-inflicted disaster that leaves hardworking American families bearing the brunt of the pain.

    “Make no mistake: President Trump’s senseless tariffs will drive prices higher, drain retirement savings and push us to the brink of recession.

    “In 1988, President Ronald Reagan said, ‘America’s most recent experiment with protectionism was a disaster for the working men and women of this country. When Congress passed the Smoot-Hawley tariff in 1930, we were told that it would protect America from foreign competition and save jobs in this country. The actual result was the Great Depression.’

    “He continued: ‘We should beware of the demagogs who are ready to declare a trade war against our friends – weakening our economy, our national security, and the entire free world – all while cynically waving the American flag.’

    “President Reagan’s words were true then and they’re true today. Hopefully Trump and our Republican colleagues will heed his wisdom.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Keating Cross Road exit from Pat Bay northbound closed for utility work

    Drivers are advised that the northbound left turn (Exit 18) from the Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) onto Keating Cross Road is closed.

    Utility lines are down on Keating Cross Road just west of Highway 17, and BC Hydro crews will be making repairs.

    The duration of the closure is currently unknown. 

    Drive BC will be updated when more information is available.

    Drivers normally exiting onto Keating Cross Road should use Island View Road instead. The exit will be reopened when repairs are completed.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Lauren Boebert Announces Community Funding Appropriations Process & Deadlines

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    Washington, D.C. —  Today, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) announced her office will begin accepting Community Funding Requests within Colorado’s 4th Congressional District for Fiscal Year 2026, with a priority on water and infrastructure projects. The requests should be targeted to local projects that are necessary to ensuring the health, safety, and prosperity of 4th District constituents.

    Eligible entities, including local and county governments plus qualified non-profit organizations, may access the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Form HERE to complete and return to boebert.appropriations@mail.house.gov along with two letters of community support for the project. 

    Further details about the process can be found at the form HERE.

    The deadline to submit Community Project requests for the 4th Congressional District is Monday, April 21, at 5:00pm EST. 

    “The reformed Community Directed Spending process that I fought for in 2023 ensures that our tax dollars go to specific, local projects that will directly help communities,”said Congresswoman Boebert. “I’m looking forward to working with local and county governments to highlight their needs and secure funding for water and infrastructure projects that are dedicated to improving the quality of life for constituents in the 4th District.”

    Each House Member is limited to submitting 15 projects for their district, which comes in the form of a one-time federal allotment of funds.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch opens Youth Emergency Shelter with support of legacy donor

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    From CMHA-Cowichan Valley Branch: https://assets.nationbuilder.com/cowichancmha/pages/102/attachments/original/1743800294/NR_CMHA_Media_Release_FINAL_updated.pdf?1743800294

    In June 2024, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and Canadian Mental Health Association – Cowichan Valley Branch (CMHA-CVB) announced plans to establish a Youth Emergency Shelter or YES pilot project. Less than one year later, the Cowichan YES is now officially open and ready to support the youth in Duncan who need it most.

    Youth aged 15 to 18 years who are in crisis, or at risk of harm or homelessness, will have access to critical supports delivered by the Cowichan YES open day and night for youth in need.  

    Several youth who have visited the YES have echoed the essence of the program’s purpose. “Wow, this is a house, and it feels like a home” –  youth aged 16. Another youth noted the comfort of the bedrooms. “I can come and stay in a real bedroom with a real bed, some of the beds are huge.” – youth aged 17. Another excited youth commented on the program’s amenities by joyfully exclaiming, “You have a gym in here? When can I use it?”

    “I am pleased to announce that a safe space for the most vulnerable youth in the Cowichan Valley is not only a reality today but will become a legacy for years to come,” said Laurie Harding, CMHA-CVB board chair. “This dream was made possible by CMHA-CVB, along with the incredible support of hundreds of local community members volunteering their time, resources, and donations through our annual Coldest Night of the Year campaign.”  

    Approximately $204,000 was raised between 2022 and 2024 through the CMHA-CVB campaigns and those funds were used as a down payment to purchase a home, which has been transformed into this vital shelter space for youth.

    “With the opening of this shelter, the most vulnerable youth in the Cowichan Valley will have a safe place to turn, day or night, when they find themselves with nowhere else to go,” said Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development. “This home is another important resource to keep Cowichan youth safer by connecting them to the supports they need when they need them.”

    In addition to the funds from the Coldest Night of the Year campaigns and up to $4 million funding from the Province, the Mischa Weisz Foundation donated $450,000. That donation will allow CMHA-CVB to pay off the mortgage and to purchase a van to provide outreach to youth in Duncan and outlying communities within the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). The significant legacy donation will help transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in the Cowichan Valley.

    Recognizing with respect that YES Cowichan is located on Quw’utsun lands, and for the generous donation by the Mischa Weisz Foundation, the name Mischa Lelum has been chosen to recognize both the legacy of Mischa Weisz and because “Lelum” is a fitting Hulqiminum word meaning home.

    “We know that many young people in our community have been facing significant challenges since the pandemic,” said Debra Toporowski, MLA, Cowichan Valley. “It’s so gratifying to see the dedication and hard work of Cowichan Tribes, CMHA, community partners, the B.C. government and even an individual donor, come to fruition to make a difference for vulnerable youth.”

    “The creation of this home is reflective of our collective strength as a community, wisdom as an organization, and the unwavering care and concern for those we serve,” says Laurie Harding, CMHA-CVB board president. “Through a commitment to supporting a healthier community, it is our hope that our actions clearly demonstrate that ‘Everyone Matters.’  We cannot do this work alone, and we are extremely grateful to community partners who have supported our work by walking with us, volunteering, and through their generous donations. Thank you as well to MCFD, Guido Weisz, and all of you here today for working collaboratively with us. Through our partnerships, we demonstrate that ‘We are Better Standing Together’ and that our youth matter.”  

    The Cowichan Valley YES is one more youth-centred service that CMHA-CVB offers.

    Background:

    YES Cowichan

    The Youth Emergency Shelter is a 24/7 therapeutic community-based crisis service in Duncan that provides a temporary safe placement (one to 14 days) for youth who are experiencing homelessness, or unstable/precarious living situations, and are in need of a temporary placement and support services. Currently there are three bedrooms available. YES consists of three essential elements: overnight shelter, drop-in day programming, and outreach services. Community partners will provide wraparound supports to youth accessing the YES and will work together to ensure youth receive the resources and assistance they require. Youth will be involved in the design and implementation of the programs to ensure those fit their needs.  The first YES opened in Maple Ridge in December 2023.

    Cowichan Youth at Home Team

    The YES program is a result of efforts led by the Cowichan Youth at Home Team: a partnership organization made up of members from CMHA-CVB, Cowichan Tribes, Cowichan Valley School District, Cowichan Valley Youth Services, Island Health Population and Public Health, Our Communities Health Network, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. “We are grateful to our community partners for their collective commitment and hard work in making a safe space a reality. Together we are making a difference because we believe that ‘Every Child Matters’.”

    Mischa Weisz Foundation

    The Mischa Weisz Foundation has been supporting unhoused youth by providing a grant that has been delivering food and making critical connections over the past three years. Mischa was an entrepreneur whose life was, sadly, cut short. Deeply grounded in his life values, Mischa believed that youth are the future and that we should invest in them if we want to make the world a better place. He also believed that “while people may be trapped in unfortunate circumstances, or disadvantaged by complex factors, all of us have potential within us,” says his brother Guido Weisz. Mischa created the Mischa Weisz Foundation which has been co-managed by his brother.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen, Jayapal, DelBene, Strickland, Randall, Smith and Schrier Call on ICE and DHS to Answer Questions about Bellingham Raid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), along with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06), Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) and Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08) have sent the following letter to ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and DHS Secretary Noem.

    Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons:

    We write to express our deep concerns over the recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across Washington State. We are especially alarmed at the recent ICE raid that took place in Bellingham, Washington. Raids like this have devastating consequences for our communities.

    On Wednesday in Bellingham, ICE officers entered a workplace, pointed guns at employees, and took away 37 community members in unmarked vans. For months, the Trump administration has insisted that their deportation efforts are focused on “the worst of the worst” and true public safety threats. In reality, there is no indication that the people detained this week are anything other than dedicated parents working hard to support their families and positive contributors to their communities.

    Because of this raid and other detainments across the country, the fear of being taken away at gunpoint in unmarked vans is becoming widespread. This fear leaves students and employees scared to go to class and to go to work. It cripples our small businesses and local economies. And critically, it makes it more difficult for state and local law enforcement to build and maintain trust with the communities they serve. ICE actions like the raid that took place in Bellingham are making our communities less safe.

    Every individual detained has a right to due process, including the right to speak to an attorney. We will be closely monitoring these cases to ensure that ICE is following the law.

    To that end, we request that you immediately provide the following information:

    1. Details on individuals ICE encountered during the enforcement action, including the number of people who were taken into custody, broken down by gender, age, nationality, immigration status, and rationale for targeting them in a raid.
    2. Information on how many of those arrested had previously received a stay of removal, order of supervision or other form of prosecutorial discretion pursuant to prosecutorial discretion guidelines in place prior to January 2025.
    3. Information on how many of those arrested have pending asylum claims.
    4. The manner in which ICE may or may not have collaborated with state and local law enforcement agencies.

    We look forward to your response.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. LaMalfa Recognized for Leadership in Forestry and Rural Industry

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) was selected to receive the 2025 Congressional Leadership Award from the American Loggers Council (ALC) and the American Biomass Energy Association (ABEA) for his work to support the timber and biomass industries, improve forest management, and reduce wildfire risks. Each year, ALC and ABEA recognize one Republican and one Democrat in Congress for their leadership on forestry policy.

    “Our forests are in trouble, and the policies coming out of Washington have too often made things worse. Decades of hands-off management have left our forests overgrown and our logging infrastructure on the verge of collapse, all while catastrophic wildfires get worse,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “We need active management, and we need it now. I appreciate this recognition from the American Loggers Council and the American Biomass Energy Association, and I’ll continue working towards solutions that keep our forests healthy and our rural economies strong.”

    Rep. LaMalfa has led efforts in Congress to cut red tape and restore active management, pushing for legislation that prioritizes wildfire prevention, hazardous fuels reduction, and timber industry stability, including:

    • The Fix Our Forests Act, which cuts bureaucratic red tape to allow for better forest management.
    • The TORCH Act, which streamlines wildfire prevention efforts.
    • The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which provides critical funding to rural areas affected by declining timber receipts.
    • $75 million in federal funding for shaded fuel breaks across California.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García’s Statement on the Temporary Release of Constituent from ICE Custody

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    “Mr. González came to this country to save his brother’s life”

    CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the temporary release of José Gregorio González from ICE custody:

    “I am relieved that my constituent José Gregorio González is free after being detained and sent out of state. What happened in Cicero, in my district, is outrageous. Mr. González came to this country to save his brother’s life by donating a kidney, but ICE locked him up. No one should be arrested for trying to save a life. 

    “This wasn’t just an attack on José—it was an attack on our values, on our families, on every immigrant who dares to love and care for their own. The Trump administration’s continued weaponization of immigration laws and criminalization of immigrants is a disgrace. It’s wrong, it’s cruel and inhumane, and it must end now. Although we celebrate his release, we will not stand by while our communities are terrorized. We will continue to demand accountability and humanity.”

    # # # 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues To Investigate The Merger – OPTN, SLRN, AKYA, SHYF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • OptiNose, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTN), relating to the proposed merger with Paratek Pharmaceuticals. Under the terms of the agreement, OptiNose shareholders will have the right to receive $9.00 in cash per share of stock owned, and one contractual contingent value right.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/optinose-inc-optn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Acelyrin, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLRN), relating to the proposed merger with Alumis Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Acelyrin stockholders will receive 0.4274 shares of Alumis common stock per share of common stock owned. Acelyrin stockholders are expected to own approximately 45% of the combined company.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for May 13, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/acelyrin-inc-slrn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKYA), relating to the proposed merger with Quanterix. Under the terms of the agreement, Akoya shareholders will receive 0.318 shares of Quanterix common stock for each share of Akoya common stock owned. Akoya shareholders will own approximately 30% of the combined company.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/akoya-biosciences-inc-akya/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Shyft Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHYF), relating to the proposed merger with Aebi Schmidt Group. Under the terms of the agreement, Shyft shareholders will own 48% of the combined company, with Aebi Schmidt shareholders owning 52%.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/shyft-group-inc-shyf/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With Hasbara failing, Israel placed Hossam Shabat on a kill list

    While public opinion of Israel plummets, each day the genocide continues without significant repercussions only reinforces that they can ignore this opinion, writes Alex Foley.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Alex Foley

    Israel announced that Hossam Shabat was a “terrorist” alongside six other Palestinian journalists. Hossam predicted they would assassinate him.

    He survived several attempts on his life. He wrote a brief obituary for himself at the age of 23, carried on reporting, and then on March 24, 2025, Israel killed him.

    For those of us outside of Gaza, helpless to stop the carnage but unable to look away, a begrudging numbness has set in, a psychic lidocaine to cope with the daily images of the shattered bodies of dead children.

    The other pro-Palestinian advocates and activists I speak with all mention familiar brain fogs and free-floating agitations.

    By this point, I am accustomed to opening my phone and steeling myself for the horrors. But learning of Hossam’s death cut through me like a warm knife.

    Through whatever fluke of the internet, many of the friends I have made over the course of the genocide are from the city of Beit Hanoun, like Hossam Shabat.

    One was his classmate. Another walked with him through the bombed-out ruins of the North. Looking upon his upturned face, splattered with three stripes of crimson blood, I could not help but imagine each of them lying there in his place.

    To quote my dear friend Ibrahim Al-Masri:

    “Hossam Shabat wasn’t alone. He carried the grief of Beit Hanoun, the cries of children trapped under rubble, the aching voices of mothers queuing for bread, and the gasps of the wounded in hospitals that no longer functioned as hospitals.”

    Many will remember the video of 14-year-old aspiring journalist Maisam Al-Masri greeting Hossam Shabat in his car, elated that he had not been killed when the occupation first took the North.

    Separated from family
    Hossam remained in Northern Gaza throughout the genocide, separated from his family, in full knowledge that staying and working was a death sentence. His reports were an invaluable insight into the occupation’s crimes, and for that they killed him.

    In death, his eyes remained open, bearing witness one last time.

    The Israeli account is, of course, very different. The Israeli army has claimed that Hossam Shabat was a “Hamas sniper” with the Beit Hanoun Battalion.

    It is the kind of paper-thin lie we have grown accustomed to, dutifully repeated by the Western press. I am no military tactician, but I find it hard to believe that a young man with a high profile who reported his location frequently, including in live broadcasts, would be an effective sniper.

    In the weeks before he was assassinated, Hossam Shabat was tweeting up to a dozen times a day.

    Hasbara killed Hossam Shabat because it’s losing the PR war
     A qualitative shift has occurred over the course of the genocide; Israel no longer seems interested in or capable of convincing the rest of the world that its actions are just. Rather, they are preoccupied with producing increasingly flimsy justifications with the sole aim of quelling internal dissent.

    The Hasbara machine is foundering.

    How could it not? For 17 months we have experienced a daily split screen between the endless stream of atrocities committed against the Palestinians and the screeching histrionics of Zionist influencers. While the people of Gaza endure blockade and bombing, Noa Tishby and Michael Rapaport moan about campus demonstrations.

    The campus encampments are also the subject of a new documentary, October 8, currently in theatres throughout the US. Originally titled October H8te, the film claims to be a “searing look at the eruption of antisemitism in America that started the day after Hamas’ attack on Israel”.

    The trailer is a series of to-camera interviews of the usual suspects, all decrying the lack of support Zionists discovered in the wake of Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza. They cite social media censorship and foreign interference as reasons for Zionism’s wild unpopularity among college students.

    It never seems to occur to them that it might be Israel’s actions doing the damage.

    In a recently shared clip, former Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, leans into the victim role, fighting through tears that do not come while relaying a story of asking a close friend if she would hide her while the pair were on a walk. Sandberg attributes her friend’s confusion at the question to the woman not being Jewish and not to the fact that it is a frankly absurd thing for a woman worth over $2 billion to ask.

    ‘Disappearing’ student protesters
    The reality is, while Sandberg talks about how unsafe she feels in the US because of the university encampments, the government itself has begun “disappearing” student protesters on her behalf.

    Plainclothes ICE agents are continuing to abduct student activists like Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk at the behest of Betar USA, a far-right militant movement founded by Jabotinsky that has been providing the Trump administration with deportation lists.

    The violent fantasies that Sandberg argues warrant a global outpouring of sympathy for Zionists are being enacted on an almost daily basis against the very students she claims are a threat.

    The hysteria around the encampments has reached a new ludicrous pitch with a lawsuit filed by a group including the families of hostages taken on October 7 against students at Columbia, among them Khalil, whom they allege have been coordinating with Hamas.

    The “bombshell” filing includes such evidence as an Instagram post by Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine published three minutes before Hamas’ attack that stated, “We are back!!” after the account was dormant for several months.

    The reasonable person might note that the inactivity on the account coincided with the Summer holidays. They might point out that it seems unlikely Hamas was coordinating with student groups in the US about an operation that required the element of surprise.

    They might even question what the American students could provide that would make such a risk worth it.

    Securing flow of weapons
    But Hasbara is no longer concerned with the reasonable person; its sole purpose is securing the flow of weapons. Despite the government announcing earlier this year that they are spending an additional $150 million on “international PR,” Israel seems increasingly uninterested in convincing anyone other than the Western governments that still back them.

    While public opinion of Israel plummets, each day the genocide continues without significant repercussions only reinforces that they can ignore this opinion.

    This is reflected in the degree to which the goalposts have shifted. First, we were told Israel would never bomb a hospital, then we were shown elaborate schematics of nonexistent subterranean command centres, and now they execute and bury first responders without so much as a shrug.

    The perverse result of Hasbara falling apart is more brazen, ruthless killing.

    While legacy media may still run interference for Israel and universities continue to roll over for the Trump administration, Israel is facing a real threat. It can kill and kill — the number of journalists they have slain far outstrips other major conflicts — but for every Hossam Shabat they kill, there is a Maisam waiting in the wings, ready to shed light on their crimes.

    Alex Foley is a researcher and painter living in Brighton, UK. They have a background in molecular biology of health and disease. They are the co-founder of the Accountability Archive, a web tool preserving fragile digital evidence of pro-genocidal rhetoric from power holders. Follow them on X:@foleywoley Republished from The New Arab under Creative Commons.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Blasts President Trump’s Reckless Tariffs, Disastrous Republican Budget That Will Gut Critical Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    As President Trump’s Reckless Tariffs Jeopardize American Livelihoods, Senate Republicans are Ramming Through a Partisan Budget That Will Cut Programs for New Mexicans

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) delivered a floor speech and joined a press conference alongside Senate Democrats to call out President Trump’s reckless tariffs and Senate Republicans’ plans to advance a partisan budget that will gut funding for critical programs Americans rely on – all to fund the Trump Tax Scam 2.0. 
    During the floor speech and press conference, Senator Luján highlighted the staggering consequences of President Trump’s tariffs on working families, retirement funds, and small businesses. Senator Luján blasted Senate Republicans’ plan to advance a partisan budget that threatens New Mexicans’ access to Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP benefits to give a tax handout to the wealthiest Americans and corporations.
    “I’m proud to join my Senate Democratic colleagues in pushing back against a Republican budget resolution that is wrong for the people, not just of New Mexico, but every corner of America. Today, Senate Democrats have uplifted the stories of Americans who are worried about the path that President Trump, Elon Musk, and Congressional Republicans are putting us on. Folks who feel the pain every time they go to the grocery store, moms and dads who don’t know how they’re going to afford food next week, grandmothers and grandfathers who are scared that their hard-earned benefits are going to be eliminated,” said Senator Luján in his floor remarks. 
    “My constituents can see the economy is slipping before their eyes. They feel it. And their paychecks are not going as far as they used to,” Senator Luján continued. “Now, President Trump is imposing sweeping, across-the-board tariffs that will increase prices for everyone back home. The tariffs are going to cost New Mexicans nearly $4,000 a year. $4,000 that a lot of folks don’t have.”
    Watch Senator Luján’s floor speech HERE.
    Watch Senator Luján’s press conference remarks HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Ellzey Statement on Texas Central Subpoena

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Ellzey (Texas, 6)

    Washington, D.C. – “For more than a decade, rural Texans, especially private property owners, have been left in uncertainty, questioning the backers, funding sources, and future of Texas’s Central High-Speed Rail Project. Meanwhile, their land and livelihoods have been at risk,” said Congressman Ellzey.

    “While I’ve been working in Washington to dismantle this project at the federal level, my friends in Austin have been taking action on the state level. This week, after learning just how much of a boondoggle this project really is, the Texas House Committee on Transportation voted to subpoena Texas Central, compelling them to produce crucial documents—documents they clearly don’t want the public to see.”

    Ellzey continued, “I’m grateful for the leadership of Chairman Cody Harris, Chairman Craddick, Representative Little, Representative Patterson, and all the members of the Transportation Committee for taking this important step.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Statement on Supreme Court Victory

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Following tonight’s ruling in Department of Education v. California, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement:

    “Today marks a significant victory for President Trump and the rule of law. This Supreme Court ruling vindicates what the Department of Justice has been arguing for months: local district judges do not have the jurisdiction to seize control of taxpayer dollars, force the government to pay out billions, or unilaterally halt President Trump’s policy agenda. Department of Justice attorneys will continue fighting to protect the executive branch from gross judicial overreach.”

    Read the full filing here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 97 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 97 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, receipt of bribes by public official, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week, includes:

    • On March 24, Customs and Border Protection Officers Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez were arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Bring in Aliens for Financial Gain, Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Receipt of Bribes by Public Official. According to court records, the officers allowed dozens of cars carrying undocumented immigrants to pass through their inspection lanes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry from August 2024 through January 2025, in exchange for cash.
    • On March 29, Osvaldo Parra Franco, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Parra attempted to cross into the United States at the San Ysidro Port of Entry with methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl hidden in a spare tire and tailgate of his vehicle. He was intercepted by Customs and Border Protection officers after an alert from a narcotics detection canine.
    • On March 30, Jesus Eduardo Carrasco-Romero, a Mexican national, was arrested three miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and charged with illegally entering the U.S. after previously being deported on March 20 in El Paso, Texas.
    • On March 31, Francisco Anguiano Rios, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with importation of a controlled substance after Customs and Border Protection officers found 209 packages containing 547 pounds of cocaine concealed in the fuel tank of the tractor trailer Rios was driving as it attempted to cross the border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
    • On March 31, Miguel Angel Gonzalez Lujan and Jesus Miguel Gonzalez Garcia, Mexican nationals, were arrested in Campo near the U.S.-Mexico border and charged with Transportation of Illegal Aliens after Border Patrol agents used a spike strip to deflate the front tires of their fleeing vehicle. Four undocumented immigrants were inside.

    Federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Joins Colleagues in CRA Rolling Back Unrealistic California EV Mandates

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    April 4, 2025

    Washington, D.C. —  Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) joined her Senate Republican colleagues this week in utilizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to counter California’s Electric Vehicle (EV) mandates. 
    “Far-left legislators in California should not be able to override consumer freedom and dictate emissions policies for the entire nation,” said Lummis. “In Wyoming, we know that these EV mandates are not only costly, but also unrealistic. We must ensure that the U.S. Congress is setting our EV and emissions policies, not the California legislature.”
    Background on CRA: 
    Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced a CRA to cancel the Biden-era California waiver allowing the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation which requires manufacturers of trucks, from class 2b to class 8, meet unrealistic zero-emission regulations by 2025. Under the regulation, manufacturers would have to sell an increasingly larger percentage of zero-emission vehicles between 2024 to 2035. The 2025 benchmarks include 55% for class 2b-3 sales (trucks), 75% for class 4-8 straight truck sales(heavy-duty trucks, construction vehicles, delivery vehicles, etc), and 40% for tractor trailer sales. Additionally, the ACT requires fleet owners with more than 50 vehicles to submit a one-time report on their existing operations.
    Sen. Lummis has been a longtime leader in fighting against the Biden administration’s unrealistic EV agenda
    In October 2023, Lummis cosponsored the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden administration’s radical environmental agenda and executive overreach by preventing the implementation of a proposed rule and other regulations that seek to limit consumer vehicle choice.
    In November 2023, she sent a letter to Senate and House leadership urging them to defund the Biden administration’s EV mandate. 
    In January 2024, she sent a letter with 121 members of Congress to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calling for them to withdrawal the Biden Administration’s proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Kiggans Lead Virginia Colleagues in Effort to Reinstate Funding for Food Banks, Hungry Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), joined by Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-10), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), wrote a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pushing back against the cancellation of $500 million in previously-approved funding through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for food banks and other emergency food providers.
    Virginia’s families, food growers, and community foodbanks have already been hit hard by cuts to vital programs from the Trump administration. This continued attack on food security is set to impact more than 400 pantries and food delivery organizations across the Commonwealth.
    “Through TEFAP, USDA purchases nutritious commodity food from growers and producers, which is then provided to state agencies. Those agencies then deliver that food to distributers, including food banks and community organizations at no cost,” the lawmakers wrote. “More than 400 local pantries, including many faith-based partners from Hampton Roads to Southwest Virginia, distribute the food to eligible low-income recipients who typically do not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and have few alternatives to turn to for help.”
    Given widespread impact of this move, the lawmakers are asking for more information regarding the decision to halt this funding: 
    Since USDA has relayed that it does not plan to move forward with distributing the previously announced $500 million in funding from the CCC to food banks through TEFAP in FY25, does the Department have alternative plans to provide supplemental nutrition assistance to food banks and other food providers who were relying on these earlier TEFAP commodities? If so, what authorities does the Department plan to utilize?
    Has USDA communicated with any producers or growers regarding the suspension or cancellation of commodity purchases through TEFAP? How will the Department work with these producers to ensure they face minimal economic harm?
    Has USDA communicated with any state distributing agencies, including the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), regarding the suspension or cancellation of food purchases and distributions through TEFAP? Is USDA working with the Commonwealth of Virginia and other states to ensure food banks and other food providers have adequate supplies of nutritious foods to serve their communities following the withdrawal of these funds?
    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.
    Dear Secretary Rollins: 
    We write regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent decision to halt up to $500 million in funding intended to support food banks and other providers from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Emergency food providers, producers, and community organizations across the country rely on TEFAP to deliver critical nutrition assistance to millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Virginians.
    Through TEFAP, USDA purchases nutritious commodity food from growers and producers, which is then provided to state agencies. Those agencies then deliver that food to distributers, including food banks and community organizations at no cost. More than 400 local pantries, including many faith-based partners from Hampton Roads to Southwest Virginia, distribute the food to eligible low-income recipients who typically do not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and have few alternatives to turn to for help.
    In Virginia, approximately 10 percent of households are “food insecure,” meaning their access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources. On average, food pantry visits increased more than 20 percent in Virginia last year and Virginia food banks are spending five times more money now than in 2019 due to greater demand and higher food prices. TEFAP accounts for 20 percent of the food distributed by Virginia’s food banks, and the currently suspended CCC orders represent around one-third of all TEFAP product Virginia food banks were expecting this year.
    Given any suspension of TEFAP affects Virginia’s families, growers, and communities, we request answers to the following questions:
    Since USDA has relayed that it does not plan to move forward with distributing the previously announced $500 million in funding from the CCC to food banks through TEFAP in FY25, does the Department have alternative plans to provide supplemental nutrition assistance to food banks and other food providers who were relying on these earlier TEFAP commodities? If so, what authorities does the Department plan to utilize?
    Has USDA communicated with any producers or growers regarding the suspension or cancellation of commodity purchases through TEFAP? How will the Department work with these producers to ensure they face minimal economic harm?
    Has USDA communicated with any state distributing agencies, including the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), regarding the suspension or cancellation of food purchases and distributions through TEFAP? Is USDA working with the Commonwealth of Virginia and other states to ensure food banks and other food providers have adequate supplies of nutritious foods to serve their communities following the withdrawal of these funds?
    Thank you for your attention to this letter. We look forward to your response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Leads Colleagues in Calling on Trump Administration to Reinstate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, led 18 of his colleagues in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to reconsider the Trump Administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans who applied for TPS under its designation in 2023. The Administration’s decision has been temporarily put on hold by a court order, postponing the harm it will cause to approximately 350,000 people who remain at risk of losing TPS.
    “Contrary to your assertion that ‘there are notable improvements in several areas, such as the economy, public health, and crime that allow for these nationals to be safely returned,’ the country conditions in Venezuela have deteriorated significantly since 2023, as discussed in detail below,” the senators wrote. “There is no credible evidence demonstrating substantive improvements in the human rights or security situation at this time. Nicolas Maduro’s third term began in January 2025 and has thus far has been characterized by political violence, violent crime, and corruption. Indeed, he remained in power through violent repression surrounding his July 2024 election, which the United States and international observers deemed fraudulent. Numerous credible sources have documented how the regime uses waves of repression, including politically motivated arrests and forcible disappearances, to maintain power. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Maduro regime was holding over 1,000 political prisoners as of March 10, 2025.”
    “For the reasons discussed above, we ask that you reconsider your February 1, 2025 decision and instead extend TPS for Venezuelans in the United States for the maximum statutory period of 18 months. Congress intended TPS to be both a humanitarian tool and a pragmatic response to unstable conditions abroad,” they continued.
    Kaine has long advocated for TPS for vulnerable people from countries around the world, such as Cameroon, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Sudan, and Ukraine. Amid spiking violence in Haiti in 2024, Kaine also urged the Biden Administration to extend TPS for Haiti and urged the Trump Administration to reconsider the cancelation of this designation in 2025.
    In addition to Kaine, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    Full text of the letter follows below and is available here.
    Dear Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem:
    We ask that you reconsider your February 1, 2025 decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans who applied for TPS under the 2023 designation. While a court order has temporarily postponed the harms that will be caused by this decision, approximately 350,000 people remain at risk of losing TPS.
    Contrary to your assertion that “there are notable improvements in several areas, such as the economy, public health, and crime that allow for these nationals to be safely returned,” the country conditions in Venezuela have deteriorated significantly since 2023, as discussed in detail below.
    There is no credible evidence demonstrating substantive improvements in the human rights or security situation at this time. Nicolas Maduro’s third term began in January 2025 and has thus far has been characterized by political violence, violent crime, and corruption. Indeed, he remained in power through violent repression surrounding his July 2024 election, which the United States and international observers deemed fraudulent. Numerous credible sources have documented how the regime uses waves of repression, including politically motivated arrests and forcible disappearances, to maintain power. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Maduro regime was holding over 1,000 political prisoners as of March 10, 2025.
    Through draconian legal measures and organized violence, the Maduro regime is engaging in an active campaign to violate human rights and repress civil society. For example, the National Assembly passed an “anti-NGO law” that provides legal pretext for targeting human rights defenders, political opposition, and journalists. In this environment, organized crime and humanitarian crisis have grown.
    Governance in Venezuela has broken down, leaving the basic needs of its citizens unmet – sufficient food, clean water, and medicines are inaccessible for most. The United Nations World Food Program estimates that approximately 40 percent of the population is experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity, and that four million people require urgent food assistance. The Venezuelan government is unable or unwilling to provide justice or protection for its citizens. In fact, the government of Venezuela is frequently itself a perpetrator or beneficiary of human rights abuses.
    The current conditions in Venezuela described above clearly continue to meet the requirement of INA §244(b)(1)(C) that “there exist extraordinary and temporary conditions in the foreign state that prevent aliens who are nationals of the state from returning to the state in safety.” Insofar as you have found that “even assuming the relevant conditions in Venezuela remain both ‘extraordinary’ and ‘temporary,’ termination of the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation is required because it is contrary to the national interest,” the lack of notice and opportunity for stakeholders and the public to comment on the termination and the national interest before it went into effect makes your decision legally infirm and deeply flawed policy-wise.
    On March 31, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ordered that the decision to vacate the extension of the 2023 designation and to terminate that designation be postponed pending further litigation. In a seventy-eight-page decision, the court relied on “[t]he lack of support for the vacatur – both legal and evidentiary” in postponing your decision.  
    For the reasons discussed above, we ask that you reconsider your February 1, 2025 decision and instead extend TPS for Venezuelans in the United States for the maximum statutory period of 18 months. Congress intended TPS to be both a humanitarian tool and a pragmatic response to unstable conditions abroad. While DHS has the authority to terminate TPS, that authority must be exercised with diligence, transparency, and fidelity to the law.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor to Oppose ‘Economic Idiocy’ of Tariffs, Program Cuts to Pay for Billionaire Tax Breaks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to highlight his strong opposition to Republicans’ budget plan. President Donald Trump and Republicans are proposing using the revenue from tariffs and massive, across-the-board cuts to programs that Virginians rely on—including Medicaid—to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Republicans are using a legislative process known as “reconciliation,” which allows certain legislation to be expedited and passed in the Senate by a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote threshold needed for most other legislation.
    “President Trump deemed these tariffs as ‘reciprocal tariffs,’ but I got another phrase for them: They are economic idiocy,” said Kaine. “They will hurt our families, they will hurt our businesses, they will hurt our farmers, and all the economic signs suggest that President Trump is flipping the world’s strongest economy toward recession.”
    “President Trump started with the strongest economy in the world the day he was inaugurated—a strong stock market, strong consumer confidence, strong growth rates and growth projections, manufacturing up, infrastructure up, America building again,” Kaine continued. “In two months, his chaotic economic idiocy has turned it around… the American economy has nothing but red lights and question marks all over it.”
    “Trump says these are reciprocal tariffs—we are putting tariffs on nations who are treating us unfairly in trade. But he’s imposing tariffs even on nations that put no tariffs on U.S. products, that have no trade barriers on U.S. products,” Kaine continued. “He said he was imposing tariffs on nations where the U.S. has trade deficits … but guess what? We have trade surpluses with Brazil, Australia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the U.K. So what did Donald Trump do? He put tariffs on them anyway.”
    “The tariffs are not designed to punish adversaries since we are hurting allies and treating them worse than adversaries in many ways. The tariffs are not designed to lower trade barriers since nations with no trade barriers are still getting socked. The tariffs are not designed to counter trade deficits since nations where we have trade surpluses are getting socked,” Kaine said. “So why do them at all? Why punish Americans with a national sales tax, which all the economists say is the largest peacetime tax ever imposed in U.S. history?”
    “It’s about raising money to fund a tax cut for the rich,” Kaine continued. “These tariffs will raise $6 trillion over the course of the next 10 years—about $600 billion all taken out of the pockets of everyday Americans who are paying more for groceries, who are paying more for building supplies when they do a home renovation, farmers who are paying more for fertilizer… the $6 trillion dollars that these tariffs will raise all come out of the pocketbooks of Americans who are working hard and who don’t want to pay more taxes.”
    “President Trump and my colleagues here are setting up a budget where they’ll take that $6 trillion and they’ll add to it all of these ‘slash-and-burn’ cuts,” Kaine said. “They’ll combine the tariff revenue with the savings from Medicaid cuts or cuts to school nutrition or cuts to the Pell Grant program, and then they will take all of that revenue and hand it over to the richest people in this country, many of whom are the richest people on the Planet Earth.”
    “That’s what we’re going to fight against in this budget, and in the same way that we succeeded by getting Republicans to vote with us against the Canadian tariffs a few days ago, it is my hope that when we get to the end of this process, we will have some Republican colleagues, in this house and the next, who will stand up against a President who thinks one man can shatter the economy and impose costs on everyday people to benefit himself and his friends,” Kaine concluded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Elizabeth Warren questions SEC chair on meme coin guidance after Trumps’ tokens launch

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 21, 2025
    Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, is seeking information from the Securities and Exchange Commission over its decision to relax federal regulations around meme coins weeks after Trump and first lady Melania Trump released their own versions.
    The SEC defines a meme coin as a type of crypto asset inspired by internet memes, characters, current events, or trends. In a staff statement last month, the agency said because of its view that meme coins are typically purchased for entertainment and social interaction rather than financial value, owners of the asset do not have to abide by federal regulations.
    “Persons who participate in the offer and sale of meme coins do not need to register their transactions with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933,” a February statement from the agency reads. “Accordingly, neither meme coin purchasers nor holders are protected by the federal securities laws.”
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Nnamdi EgwuonwuSource: NBC News

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators press Trump Social Security nominee on his views about privatizing the agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 24, 2025
    Two Democratic senators — Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Ron Wyden of Oregon — sent a letter Monday to Frank Bisignano, the nominee to lead the Social Security Administration, to ask whether he supports privatizing the agency and if he would be willing to undo recent changes.
    Bisignano, who is the chief executive officer of payments technology company Fiserv , has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as commissioner of the SSA.
    Bisignano’s Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
    The hearing comes as current temporary leadership of the agency last week made headlines for threatening to shut down the SSA following a temporary restraining order that barred the so-called Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Americans‘ personal data.
    In the letter to Bisignano, Warren and Wyden said ongoing efforts by the Trump administration, in cooperation with DOGE, may result in changes that will “hollow out” the agency and “deprive Americans of Social Security benefits they earned and need.”
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Lorie KonishSource: CNBC
    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Reassert Congressional Trade Role

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Legislation requires the President to explain reasoning and impacts of new tariffs to Congress within 48 hours
    All new tariffs would expire after 60 days unless Congress explicitly approves them
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week joined U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in introducing the Trade Review Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. The Senators’ legislation, modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, would reestablish limits on the President’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.    
    “As U.S. Senators, we have a moral and constitutional responsibility to stand up to any attempt by the Executive to undermine our system of checks and balances. We can’t let Trump’s lawlessness and reckless trade policies slide. The President’s trade war is hurting working Americans, small businesses, and farmers—not to mention relationships with our trusted allies. This bipartisan legislation will make it clear that Congress won’t cede its authority to the White House,” said Senator Welch.  
    “Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade. This bill reasserts Congress’s role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public. Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses,” said Senator Cantwell. “As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.” 
    “For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch. Building on my previous efforts as Finance Committee Chairman, I’m joining Senator Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress’ constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy,” said Senator Grassley. 
    The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs: 
    To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours. 
    The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and 
    Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers. 
    Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline. 
    Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval. 
    Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded. 
    In addition to Senators Welch, Cantwell, and Grassley, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).  
    Read and download the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Files Budget Amendments to Help Hardworking Vermonters  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch filed 61 amendments to the budget 
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, filed 61 amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget plan. The Senator’s amendments aim to help working families through the affordability crisis, defend programs, services, and disaster aid from Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), and combat President Trump’s reckless, illegal agenda.  
    Senate Republicans’ budget plan, unveiled Wednesday, attacks Medicaid, Medicare, and the health care of seniors, children, people with disabilities, and rural patients; threatens Social Security for millions; raises costs for working families and enables President Trump’s trade war; jeopardizes support and health care for veterans; and gives DOGE a greenlight to destroy the federal government—all in the service of paying for Trump’s tax cut to billionaires.  
    “A budget plan says a lot about your values, and President Trump and Senate Republicans’ budget is cruel. They’re threatening the economic and physical health of families, seniors, children, and folks across the country. They’re trying to cut federal funding for hardworking Americans and pass $7 trillion in tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. I’m standing up against their nonsense every step of the way,” said Senator Welch. “That’s why I’ve filed 61 amendments to their budget, which will better address the affordability crisis Vermonters face right now and defend against Elon Musk’s attempts to dismantle our government and the programs people rely on.”   
    Senator Welch’s amendments to the Republican budget resolution would:   
    Address the Affordability Crisis: 
    An amendment to block tax cuts to billionaires paid for by cutting meals for hungry seniors and eliminating child care services for families. 
    Amendments to support federal dairy programs, organic farmers, and young and beginning farmers. 
    An amendment to address the impacts of disasters in rural communities.   
    An amendment to promote innovation, domestic job creation and U.S. competitiveness. This amendment would support Vermont’s growing semiconductor industry and America’s Tech Hubs. 
    Amendments to block the extension of tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations until all federal services are provided. 
    Defend Federal Programs and Disaster Aid from Elon Musk: 
    Amendments to prohibit cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and to improve rural access to nutrition programs. 
    Amendments to protect and defend rural broadband deployment and promote internet affordability.   
    An amendment to prohibit the elimination of over-to-phone identity verification for Social Security beneficiaries. 
    Amendments to prohibit the reduction or elimination of funding for rural care providers, health centers, and critical access hospitals.   
    Amendments to limit affiliates of the Department of Government Efficiency’s ability to access federal payment systems and personally identifiable information of Social Security beneficiaries. 
    An amendment to protect disaster survivors’ data privacy during any interaction with Department of Government Efficiency personnel. 
    An amendment prohibiting any reduction in disaster response and recovery programs for States and local communities. 
    Combat Trump’s Reckless and Illegal Agenda:   
    Amendments to preserve relations between the United States and Canada, and to prohibit Canadian energy tariffs that raise energy costs domestically.  
    An amendment to block legislation that enables U.S. troops to operate in Gaza to assist in the displacement or removal of Palestinians from Gaza. 
    An amendment to prevent enforcement of the Alien Enemies Act, unless there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign government, or an invasion of predatory incursion is perpetrated. 
    An amendment to prevent the arrest, detainment and deportation of college students and faculty on the grounds they have expressed views the sitting administration objects to. 
    An amendment that would block legislation banning the Associated Press from the White House. 
    An amendment that would preserve United States-Denmark relations. 
    An amendment to address global hunger including hiring aid workers and facilitating the dispersal of aid into Gaza 
    In addition, Senator Welch cosponsored 31 amendments. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Demand POTUS Rescind Executive Order Requiring a Passport to Easily Register to Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Demand POTUS Rescind Executive Order Requiring a Passport to Easily Register to Vote

    The Executive Order puts onerous requirements that restrict the ability of US citizens to access the ballot, requiring a passport to easily register to vote
    Less than half of Georgians have a current U.S. passport necessary for easily registering to vote under this new executive order
    Noncitizen voting is virtually nonexistent; 2024 audit by Georgia Secretary of State found only 9 instances of noncitizen voting out of 8,200,000 registered voters 
    Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers: “Requirements in this illegal order would likely disenfranchise millions of American voters […] places a variety of other process burdens on voters, especially married women, rural residents, and low-income voters, and communities of color”
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) , and 14 of his Senate colleagues urged President Trump to revoke his illegal anti-voter executive order that would disenfranchise millions of Americans.
    Under this Executive Order, military IDs or driver’s licenses would not be sufficient in registering to vote in Georgia through the federal voter registration form. Following the announcement of the Executive Order, Senator Warnock issued a statement responding to the unlawful order.
    “This unlawful directive exceeds your authority over an independent agency and would likely disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters by creating barriers to voting, while also inviting chaos into state voter registration processes – including by inappropriately sharing Americans’ data with the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),” wrote the Senators. “Under the Constitution and existing law, this Executive Order cannot be implemented. Sadly, we are not surprised at your continued efforts to undermine our free and fair elections. From welcoming foreign election interference in our elections, to supporting the January 6 insurrection, to promoting baseless election conspiracy theories, your dangerous rhetoric has undermined public confidence in our election system.”
    The proof of citizenship requirements in the executive order would restrict the right to vote for millions of Americans given the burden it creates to obtain these documents. Nearly half of all American citizens do not have valid passports, and millions more have a legal name that differs from other government-issued documents, including up to 69 million married women whose birth certificates no longer match their legal name.
    The Senators emphasized that the order runs counter to the constitutional foundation that elections are to be primarily administered by the states. They also sounded the alarm on the order’s attempt to empower the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review state voter registration lists, other state records, and various federal databases, with the power of subpoena.
    “Voting by noncitizens is already a federal crime and, despite unsubstantiated claims to the contrary, is extremely rare. By interjecting DOGE into the process, this order would interfere with states’ maintenance of voter registration lists, compromising voters’ personal information,” continued the Senators.
    “The new federal voter registration requirements in this illegal order would likely disenfranchise millions of American voters. Millions of Americans do not have passports and many face challenges obtaining other documents that would be required by this order, if it was ever implemented,” concluded the Senators. “This order also places a variety of other process burdens on voters, especially married women, rural residents, and low-income voters, and communities of color.”
    Senator Warnock has a long history of supporting voting rights efforts and defending the sacred right to vote. Since coming to the Senate, Senator Warnock has championed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, two vital pieces of voting rights legislation that expand on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and help secure voting rights for future generations.
    In addition to Senator Warnock, the letter was authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and is also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The letter can be viewed HERE and below:
    Dear President Trump,
    We write to demand that you immediately rescind your recent Executive Order “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” This unlawful directive exceeds your authority over an independent agency and would likely disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters by creating barriers to voting, while also inviting chaos into state voter registration processes – including by inappropriately sharing Americans’ data with the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    Under the Constitution and existing law, this Executive Order cannot be implemented. Sadly, we are not surprised at your continued efforts to undermine our free and fair elections. From welcoming foreign election interference in our elections, to supporting the January 6 insurrection, to promoting baseless election conspiracy theories, your dangerous rhetoric has undermined public confidence in our election system.
    This order runs counter to the constitutional foundation that elections are to be primarily administered by the states. The Federal role in elections is focused on helping states with the costs and technical challenges and ensuring that the right to vote is appropriately protected. This order places new mandates on the states and inserts new federal interference in state voter registration processes by federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. We expect state and local election administrators of both parties to have significant legal and operational concerns about this order.
    One of the most disturbing aspects of this illegal order is Sec. 2(b)(iii), which attempts to empower DHS and the DOGE Administrator to review state voter registration lists, other state records and various federal databases, with the power of subpoena. Voting by noncitizens is already a federal crime and, despite unsubstantiated claims to the contrary, is extremely rare. By interjecting DOGE into the process, this order would interfere with states’ maintenance of voter registration lists, compromising voters’ personal information. This effort by DOGE is similar to your 2017 Executive Order that established the “Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity” that sought voter files from states and was rejected by 44 states and the District of Columbia. If this provision were implemented, it would allow Elon Musk and DOGE to recreate this effort to purge state voter databases, preventing the participation of eligible American voters.
    The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was created as an independent, evenly balanced agency in the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which was enacted on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. The EAC receives appropriations from Congress to support states with the growing financial and technical challenges of administering elections in thousands of jurisdictions across the nation on a nonpartisan basis. This order lacks the authority to place new conditions on Congressionally appropriated funding or order the EAC require documents that many eligible Americans do not have in order to register to vote in federal elections.
    The new federal voter registration requirements in this illegal order would likely disenfranchise millions of American voters. Millions of Americans do not have passports and many face challenges obtaining other documents that would be required by this order, if it was ever implemented. This order also places a variety of other process burdens on voters, especially married women, rural residents, and low-income voters, and communities of color.
    For these reasons, we must urge you to rescind this illegal order.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Telehealth Access, Make Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Telehealth Access, Make Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities

    The bipartisan CONNECT For Health Act expands Medicare’s telehealth flexibility, ensuring Georgia seniors can more easily access health care, connect with their doctors
    Current telehealth flexibilities are set to expire in September without congressional action
    Senator Reverend Warnock has long supported efforts to expand telehealth services, especially in rural communities
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “So many Georgian seniors, especially in rural communities, benefited from new telehealth programs that allowed seniors to talk to their doctor online or over the phone. […] The bipartisan and common sense CONNECT For Health Act builds on that progress by continuing to offer people the telehealth they need”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) joined Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS) in introducing bipartisan CONNECT For Health Act to improve and expand telehealth services for seniors on Medicaid.
    The comprehensive telehealth bill will expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permanent, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. The current telehealth flexibilities are set to expire on September 30 unless Congress extends them.
    “So many Georgian seniors, especially in rural communities, benefited from new telehealth programs that allowed seniors to talk to their doctor online or over the phone. Congress needs to keep those programs from expiring. The bipartisan and common sense CONNECT For Health Act builds on that progress by continuing to offer people the telehealth they need,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
    The CONNECT for Health Act would:
    Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;
    Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
    Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;
    Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirement for telemental health services;
    Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
    Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, impacts of quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.
    Senator Reverend Warnock has long supported efforts to expand telehealth services, especially in rural Georgia communities. In 2023, Senator Warnock announced a slate of new federal grants that help build a more sustainable rural health care system for Georgians by expanding telehealth services.
    The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.
    The CONNECT for Health Act has the support of more than 150 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.
    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Whitehouse Welcome Senate Parliamentarian’s Reaffirmation That California’s Clean Air Act Waivers Not Subject to Congressional Review Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Whitehouse Welcome Senate Parliamentarian’s Reaffirmation That California’s Clean Air Act Waivers Not Subject to Congressional Review Act

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, welcomed the Senate parliamentarian’s decision that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The decision reaffirms that President Trump and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin cannot weaponize the CRA to repeal these waivers as part of their assault on clean air and the environment.
    “In passing the Clean Air Act on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, Congress explicitly granted California the ability to set more stringent vehicle emissions standards to protect public health from California’s unique air quality challenges,” said Senator Padilla. “I am pleased that the Senate parliamentarian upheld decades of precedent and confirmed that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the Congressional Review Act. This latest stunt from Trump’s EPA was a clearly bogus attempt to undercut California’s climate leadership, and it failed. I’ll keep fighting to defend California’s authority to protect our residents, safeguard clean air, and lower costs for consumers.”
    “Congress granted the California the power to regulate its own pollution and vehicle emissions standards and did so on a bipartisan basis almost 60 years ago. The result has been an important one and advanced clean air and water rules that have had a major impact on California and the rest of the country,” said Senator Schiff. “Today, another nonpartisan and independent voice has reaffirmed that California’s vehicle emissions standards are not subject to repeal under the expedited processes of the Congressional Review Act, upholding our state’s right to protect our air and the health of our 40 million residents. The Golden State has been the gold standard for fighting harmful air pollution, and today’s ruling allows that fight to continue. This is a victory for the power of the states that Congressional Republicans seem so eager to undermine now that they have returned to power in Washington. I will continue to work in the Senate to protect the health and wellness of every Californian whose lives have been improved by these standards for more than a generation.”
    “From slashing investments that lower household energy costs to rolling back protections for clean air and clean water, Trump and his polluter minions at EPA have endangered our nation’s public health, economy, and climate safety. Due to evil influence by the polluting industries that bankrolled Trump’s campaign, Americans will pay—with their health and with their wallets—for the Trump-Musk weaponization of the EPA in service to big polluters,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse. “Congress put California’s ability to set vehicle emissions standards in the Clean Air Act, which has already protected generations of Americans from fossil fuel emissions. These emissions heat up our planet, make it harder for many to breathe, and increase costs for families. We’re gratified that the Senate parliamentarian followed decades of precedent showing that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the Congressional Review Act. The lie about ‘cooperative federalism’ as the model for EPA to follow is laid bare when environmental regulatory and enforcement authority of the states is stronger than federal requirements. Here, the Clean Air Act provides California the authority to set more stringent vehicle emission standards, and Administrator Zeldin pulled out all the stops to attack that authority despite decades of practice and precedent. His legally unfounded scheme was first cooked up by industry lawyers in the polluter-friendly op-ed pages of The Wall Street Journal. Never mind the hundreds of millions of Americans suffering from bad air quality, climate change-driven natural disasters, and climateflation in everything from insurance premiums to grocery prices, Zeldin again decided to take his marching orders from polluters. Tells you all you need to know.”
    Senators Padilla, Schiff, and Whitehouse previously blasted Trump and Zeldin’s weaponization of the EPA as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) also found that Clean Air Act waivers to California are not subject to the Congressional Review Act. Padilla and Schiff also slammed the Trump Administration’s intent to roll back dozens of the EPA’s regulations that protect California’s air and water.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Cosponsors Legislation to Improve Access to Quality, Affordable Child Care for American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Cosponsors Legislation to Improve Access to Quality, Affordable Child Care for American Families

    Republican-proposed funding cuts to pay for tax breaks for billionaires would eliminate child care for 40,000 children, according to recent CLASP analysis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined his colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to help American families get access to the quality, affordable child care they need. The bill comes as Republicans are acting on their plan to eliminate child care for 40,000 children to pay for massive tax breaks for billionaires.
    The need to rebuild a stronger, more robust, and more equitable child care system is greater than ever as working families across America struggle to access affordable, quality child care. But in addition to cuts to child care, the Trump Administration is conducting mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the offices at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) that administer child care and Head Start programs. These layoffs will make child care even less accessible, less affordable, and less safe.
    Earlier this week, Padilla and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) led 25 Senators in condemning the Trump Administration’s mass firings of federal employees at the Office of Head Start (OHS) and the Office of Child Care (OCC) and demanding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. immediately reinstate these employees to full work status.
    “As a father to three boys, I understand that having access to child care isn’t a luxury, it’s a critical necessity,” said Senator Padilla. “No parent should have to miss work because they don’t have access to child care, yet too many Californians either do not live near a caregiver or cannot afford it. As President Trump and his Administration wage a war on American families and intensify our child care crisis, we must fight to ensure every family, regardless of zip code, has access to reliable, high-quality child care.”
    “At a time when families are struggling to find affordable child care so they can work and pay their bills, Republicans in Congress are making their priorities clear with 40,000 kids about to lose their child care to pay for another handout to billionaires. Taken together with the absolute gutting of HHS and the offices responsible for Head Start and child care, America’s child care crisis is on track to only grow worse,” said Senator Wyden. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Our bill invests in working families by making sure more families can get child care and new child care centers can be built to increase slots, while also guaranteeing a living wage for the essential workers who staff them. That is where priorities should lie.”
    “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between breaking the budget, cutting back their work hours, or settling for lower-quality care to make sure their kids have child care,” said Senator Warren. “I am grateful for Senator Wyden’s partnership and commitment to investing in child care so working parents have a fighting chance in our economy.”
    The price of child care continues to place a major financial burden on American families, with costs ranging from $5,357 to $17,171 per year depending on location and type of care. Additionally, the cost of center-based care for two children is more than the average mortgage in 45 states and more than the average annual rent in all 50 states plus D.C. The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act would address the child care crisis by providing new, permanent funding so states, tribes, and territories have the critical resources they need to develop a child care infrastructure that better serves all families.
    The legislation would expand guaranteed child care funding by increasing annual funding for the Child Care Entitlement to States (CCES) to $20 billion per year (a $16.45 billion increase per year). It also would appropriate $5 billion to the CCES annually to provide new grants to improve child care workforce, supply, quality, and access in areas of particular need, including rural communities. Specifically, the funding can be used for Child Care and Development Block Grant purposes, including:
    Increasing child care slots in child care facilities and family child care homes;
    Establishing or expanding the operation of community or neighborhood-based family child care networks;
    Providing funding for construction and renovation of child care facilities and family child care homes;
    Providing start-up funding, technical assistance, support for improving business practices, and support navigating real estate financing and development processes;
    Providing guidance to child care providers on negotiating with landlords or applying for land or home ownership;
    Recruiting child care providers and staff;
    Supporting professional development and training for the child care workforce, including through apprenticeships, partnerships with labor unions or labor-management partnerships, and partnerships with public and nonprofit institutions of higher education;
    Contracting with an intermediary with experience securing private sources of capital financing for child care facilities or other low-income community development projects to provide technical support; and
    Maintaining an effective and diverse early care workforce by increasing total compensation, providing wage supplements or bonuses, or offering wage and retention rewards and ensuring adequate wages for staff of child care providers, including sole proprietors and independent contractors, that, at a minimum:
    Provide a living wage for all staff of such child care providers and
    Are adjusted on an annual basis or cost of living increases.

    U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) lead the legislation. In addition to Senator Padilla, the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act is cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). U.S. Representative Danny Davis (D-Ill.-07) introduced companion legislation in the House.
    A one-page summary of the legislation is here.
    Ful text of the bill is available here.
    The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act is endorsed by: AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Federation of Teachers, Caring Across Generations, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Child Care Aware of America, Child Care for Every Family Network, Community Change Action, Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC), Family Values at Work, First Five Years Fund, First Focus Campaign for Children, KinderCare, MomsRising, National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Education Association, National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA), National Women’s Law Center, Save the Children, SEIU, Small Business Majority, ZERO TO THREE, Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Family Forward Oregon, First Children’s Finance, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, Little Miracles Early Development Center, Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children (MAAEYC), Maine Association for the Education of Young Children, Maine People’s Alliance, Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children (MDAEYC), Montana Family Childcare Network, New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, NJ Communities United, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children (ORAEYC), Our Children Oregon, Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, Pennsylvania Child Care Association, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, Prevent Child Abuse America, Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children, South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (SCAEYC), Southwest Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, Trying Together, Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children, Virginia Organizing, and Wisconsin Early Childhood Association.
    “Right now, this country is facing a serious child care crisis–parents are struggling to find or afford child care, child care workers are making poverty wages, and child care providers are struggling to keep their doors open and make ends meet. Republicans’ only proposal is to make this crisis even worse by cutting child care funding and putting more wealth in the hands of billionaires over supporting our families,” said Andrea Paluso and Erica Gallegos, Executive Directors of the Child Care for Every Family Network. “But there is another way. Senator Wyden and Warren’s Building Child Care for a Better Future Act will boost child care funding, instead of taking a hatchet to it. We are proud to endorse this critical bill that will invest in our child care supply, support the child care workforce, and help make child care easier to find and afford. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: support for care or support for cuts. Instead of non-stop Republican threats to cut child care, Congress must pass the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act.”
    “Families across the country are sending us a clear message that child care prices are too high and they need help,” said Julie Kashen, Senior Fellow and Director of Women’s Economic Justice at the Century Foundation. “Instead of tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations, we should work towards child care solutions that give parents room to breathe, providers wages they deserve, and children the opportunity to grow and flourish. The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act would be a big step in the right direction walking the walk for families and workers, not just talking the talk.”
    “America’s moms support the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act, and applaud its sponsors, cosponsors and champions,” said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director and CEO of MomsRising Together. “Millions of young families simply can’t access quality, affordable child care in our country today. Without it, children miss opportunities to learn, moms are pushed out of the workforce, businesses go without the workers they need, families can’t contribute and make ends meet, and our economy suffers terribly. Moms want Congress to support this bill to stabilize the child care infrastructure and improve wages for educators – not give even more tax breaks to billionaires and wealthy corporations.” 
    “At a time when President Trump and congressional Republicans are proposing dramatic cuts to child care, the Building Child Care for A Better Future Act provides meaningful investments that would make a real dent in addressing the child care crisis,” said Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center. “With families at a breaking point with the soaring costs of child care, we need real, sustained investment to make care more affordable and to invest in the early learning workforce. If Congress is serious about lowering child care costs, they’ll pass this bill instead of pretending that small tax credits—which provide only a fraction of relief that families need—are a real solution.”
    “The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act will make child care more affordable for families and invest in the workforce that makes it all possible. By ensuring sustainable and reliable funding and bolstering the supply of child care, we can build a stronger, more equitable child care sector,” said Stephanie Schmit, Director of Child Care and Early Education at Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). “This legislation is an essential step toward a much-needed child care system that meets the diverse needs of all children and families.”
    “Child care is essential for parents who are continuing to struggle with long waitlists and skyrocketing costs. Providers are barely scraping by due to the ever-rising costs of providing safe and quality care,” said Samantha Cadet, Legislative Director for ZERO TO THREE. “ZERO TO THREE is proud to support the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act, which addresses the root issue of chronic underinvestment by increasing mandatory funding for child care so that states, tribes, and territories have the resources they need to build a child care infrastructure that works for everyone.”
    “The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act is a powerful step forward in ensuring that Tribal Nations have meaningful access to the resources needed to strengthen child care in our communities. By increasing dedicated funding and continuing the flexibility in how those funds are used, this bill honors the sovereignty of Tribal Nations to lead the development of early care and education systems that reflect our unique cultures, needs, and priorities,” said Jennifer Rackliff, Executive Director of National Indian Child Care Association (Cherokee Nation — Anisahoni Clan). “We commend this legislation for recognizing that lasting solutions come from within the community—and for giving Tribes the tools to build the systems our children and families deserve.”
    “As a national coalition of child care providers, education service providers, and state child care associations, ECEC is pleased to endorse the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act. This legislation recognizes that the child care workforce is the workforce behind the workforce—without well-qualified and compensated child care educators and staff, many parents cannot go to work with the comfort that their children are being educated and cared for in safe and healthy environments. Furthermore, the legislation takes needed steps to help provide support to providers that serve communities that are most in need of high-quality early education,” said Radha Mohan, Executive Director of ECEC. “The long-term investments proposed in the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act will better equip our nation’s child care system to serve all who rely on it every day, and support the continued growth of the American economy.”
    “Virtually every segment of our population is struggling with access to childcare, and small businesses are no exception. In fact, Small Business Majority’s research found that most small business owners said a lack of access to quality, affordable childcare for their own children made it difficult to start and grow their business. These business owners also said childcare challenges are an ongoing problem that have forced many to take time away from work, miss out on opportunities or hire additional help,” said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO of Small Business Majority. “We support the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act because it will improve our nation’s childcare infrastructure to more effectively address the needs of America’s small businesses.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Push to Support Survivors Of Military Sexual Trauma

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    04.04.25

    Washington, D.C. – This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve military sexual trauma (MST) survivors’ access to health care and benefits, as well as bolster MST claims processing.

    The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 would eliminate bureaucratic hurdles for MST survivors who apply for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure they receive access to the benefits and care they have earned. Given how many instances of MST go unreported during service, the bill would require VA to consider non-Department of Defense evidence sources when reviewing MST claims and would expand this standard to all mental health conditions related to MST. The bill would also ensure all former Guard and Reserve members can receive MST-related care and counseling from VA.

    “We owe everything to the men and women who serve our country, especially to those servicemembers who were let down in the most unimaginable way. Survivors of military sexual trauma need access to resources to help them begin to heal, and this legislation ensures access to those benefits,” said Senator Murkowski. “Addressing the broader culture of sexual misconduct in our military deserves greater attention, but it starts when those who have endured this violence are able to get the help they need.”

    “Survivors of military sexual trauma have endured unimaginable pain and deserve the highest quality care and services,” said Ranking Senator Blumenthal. “They should have clear access to every tool needed to heal from their trauma. Our bipartisan bill will afford survivors a stronger voice in filing claims and expand VA treatment.”

    “I’ve heard from countless veterans whose profound harm is compounded by a system that repeatedly fails them. Their stories reveal a dual injustice—first from experiencing devastating abuse, and then again when navigating a claims process ill-equipped to support survivors. This goes far beyond administrative shortcomings at the VA; it’s a fundamental breach of our moral and constitutional duty to those who served,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Our bipartisan, bicameral Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act directly confronts these systemic failures. It modernizes outdated evidentiary standards to recognize all trauma responses, expands critical access to MST-related health care regardless of discharge status, and establishes rigorous oversight to ensure genuine accountability. When our institutions fail and re-traumatize those who sacrificed in service to our country, we violate a sacred commitment. Veterans deserve better, and it’s our responsibility to deliver.”

    Among its many priorities, this legislation would ensure individuals who leave service academies early are told about their potential eligibility for MST-related care and counseling at VA, and given the option to receive copies of any of their records related to MST. This builds off Blumenthal’s work last Congress as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations on Operation Fouled Anchor and the U.S. Coast Guard’s efforts to conceal the investigation into mishandled cases of sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy.

    The legislation also addresses issues uncovered by the VA Office of Inspector General in 2021 by requiring VA to process all MST claims via specially trained teams, conduct annual accuracy reviews for MST claims, and study the quality of Veterans Benefits Administration training on MST claims processing.

    The lawmakers’ efforts to improve MST survivors’ care and benefits has strong backing from stakeholders and Veterans Service Organizations.

    “MOAA is grateful to Senators Blumenthal and Murkowski for reintroducing the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support (SAVES) Act,” said Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret). “This important legislation aims to strengthen the coordination of benefits and health care services, benefiting not only those impacted by military sexual trauma (MST) but all veterans seeking VA support. MOAA remains committed to working with Congress and the VA to ensure passage and effective implementation of this bill.”

    “The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act makes critical and overdue changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability compensation and claims process for survivors of military sexual trauma, a cause Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) has championed for years,” said Service Women’s Action Network’s Chief Executive Officer Elisa Cardnell. “By broadening access for military sexual trauma survivors in the veterans’ healthcare system, this act acknowledges and addresses that MST survivors often feel vulnerable and forgotten; it is our nation’s responsibility to support these victims and provide the highest level of care during and after their service to our country. Service Women’s Action Network wholeheartedly endorses this legislation.”

    “VA offers benefits and health care to veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), but survivors often encounter barriers in accessing these necessary services,” said Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley. “The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support (SAVES) Act would improve the claims process, codify evidentiary support, and increase access to mental health care for MST survivors. PVA strongly supports the SAVES Act and thanks Senator Blumenthal and Senator Murkowski for reintroducing this legislation.”

    “The VFW supports the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025, that would assess gaps in health care and compensation eligibility related to military sexual trauma (MST),” said Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Legislative Service Associate Director Nancy Springer. “The adverse effects of MST can remain with service members well after their time in service. This comprehensive bill would ensure they receive dignified care and appropriate compensation as they rejoin the civilian world. We thank Senators Blumenthal and Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership on this issue and look forward to the passage of this bill into law.”

    “The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act is about doing right by the men and women who’ve sacrificed for this country,” said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Chief Executive Officer Allison Jaslow. “For too long, survivors of military sexual trauma have faced a VA system that fails them—after the military has already failed them. IAVA is grateful for the leadership of Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Murkowski (R-AK) in standing up for these veterans. Now, it’s time for Congress to step up, do the right thing, and pass this bill—because our veterans have waited long enough.”

    “For too long, military sexual trauma (MST) survivors have faced significant hurdles in accessing the VA care and benefits they have rightfully earned,” said Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Legislative Service Director Joy Ilem. “The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 offers a pathway to justice by ensuring their claims are handled with the care, sensitivity and expertise required to address this issue accurately and appropriately. DAV proudly supports this crucial legislation and the dignity it restores to those who have served, and we appreciate Sens. Blumenthal and Murkowski for incorporating the voices of MST survivors in crafting this important legislation.”

    “Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is an experience that can have a complex and long-lasting impact on a veteran’s life,” said Wounded Warrior Project Chief Program Officer Jennifer Silva. “As our community continues to find ways to support MST survivors, the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act recognizes that more can be done to expand access to care, improve the benefits claims process, and ultimately make the system work better for them. Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support this effort and we are grateful to Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Murkowski (R-AK) for their leadership on this issue.”

    This legislation is also endorsed by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Protect Our Defenders, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –