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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They’re Saying: LaMalfa Reintroduces Bill to Repeal Federal Excise Tax on Heavy Trucks

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

    Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy trucks, the highest excise tax on any product in the country. This outdated tax drives up the cost of new trucks by as much as $30,000, forcing businesses to keep older, less efficient vehicles on the road. The bill, introduced alongside Reps. Pappas (D-NH), LaHood (R-IL), Carbajal (D-CA), and Miller (R-OH), has already earned strong support from industry leaders who recognize the need to modernize America’s trucking fleet. Here’s what they’re saying:

    “First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the FET has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear.  “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses, and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs.  Our industry is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”

    “The California Trucking Association is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for recognizing the importance of removing significant financial barriers to fleet modernization,” said Eric Sauer, CEO, California Trucking Association. “By repealing the Federal Excise Tax, Congress is paving the way for the broader adoption of cleaner, more fuel-efficient trucks. This effort will encourage trucking companies across California to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, including zero-emission technologies, supporting both our environmental goals and the continued development of innovative solutions. It’s a win for the environment, the economy, and our industry.”

    “The Clean Freight Coalition (CFC) is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on repealing the FET, which will incentivize motor carriers to refresh their fleets with cleaner and safer trucks,” said CFC’s Executive Director Jim Mullen. “There are many pathways to reducing truck emissions, and replacing old equipment with trucks equipped with the most advanced technology provides immediate benefits for the environment, and at the same time protects the resiliency of the supply chain and guards against rising freight costs which are ultimately paid by consumers. The stakeholders represented by the CFC applaud the Sponsors of this bill for their efforts to improve the environment and support the trucking industry.”

    “The burdensome 12 percent Federal Excise Tax on the sale of new heavy-duty trucks and trailers is an outdated levy which drives up costs and slows the adoption of safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Scott Pearson, ATD Chairman and President of Peterbilt of Atlanta. “This onerous tax adds approximately $20,000 to the price of a new diesel truck, and $50,000 to the cost of a new electric truck. America’s truck dealers commend Reps. LaMalfa and Pappas for their leadership on this important issue, which will help motor carriers modernize their fleets and improve road safety.”

    “The U.S. tank truck industry needs relief from the outdated Federal Excise Tax—originally imposed more than a century ago to fund World War I,” said Ryan Streblow, President and CEO of National Tank Truck Carriers. “Repealing this 12% tax would empower our industry to reinvest in the specialized equipment we need—equipment that features critical safety enhancements and cleaner-emission power units to serve the U.S. bulk segment. As costs continue to rise, this tax remains a significant barrier to upgrading our fleets and supporting a safer, more sustainable supply chain.”

    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.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. LaMalfa Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Federal Excise Tax on Heavy Trucks

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

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to repeal the twelve percent Federal excise tax on heavy trucks with Reps. Pappas (D-NH), LaHood (R-IL), Carbajal (D-CA), and Miller (R-OH). The 12% excise tax on heavy trucks is the highest excise tax levied on any product in the country and could add $15,000 to $30,000 to the cost of new heavy trucks, trailers, semitrailer chassis, and tractors for highway use. Off-highway equipment such as agriculture, earthmoving, forestry, and mining machinery are exempt from the tax. This tax is paid at the time of sale and is not levied on used truck sales, consequentially encouraging the purchase of used vehicles.

    “For over a century, the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks has gone from a temporary wartime measure to fund World War I, to an outdated tax that punishes truck buyers,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “This is the highest percentage-based tax Congress imposes on any product, yet it fails to be a reliable source of funding for the Highway Trust Fund. This tax forces buyers to stick with older, less efficient models and makes it harder for truckers to modernize their rigs, holding back the trucking industry from updating. Let’s repeal this outdated tax and support the men and women who keep America moving.”

    “Every potential saving we can deliver to businesses makes a difference to help them operate and lower costs for families,” said Rep. Pappas. “Cutting the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers will help America’s Main Street economy grow and strengthen our supply chains, while also supporting the adoption of newer, safer, and cleaner trucks. This legislation is bipartisan and commonsense, and I’ll keep fighting for Congress to take it up to provide immediate relief to small businesses and consumers alike.”

    “The Illinois trucking industry is a vital economic driver that impacts agriculture, manufacturing, and small businesses,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this critical piece of legislation that abolishes the federal excise tax on semi-trucks and trailers. This outdated tax hinders trucking companies from hiring more drivers and upgrading their fleets to cleaner, safer, and more efficient models.”

    “Repealing the outdated federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks—which was first enacted over a century ago—is essential to modernize our transportation sector and help reduce emissions,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This outdated tax drives up the costs of cleaner, more efficient trucks. By eliminating this financial barrier, we can accelerate fleet turnover, enhance road safety, and promote economic growth while supporting American manufacturing and jobs. I am glad to join this effort to pave the way for a cleaner, safer, and more competitive industry.”

    “America’s truckers work hard to keep our economy moving, but outdated policies like this federal excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers make it harder for them to upgrade to safer, more reliable equipment,” said Rep. Miller. “By eliminating this excessive tax, we can empower small trucking businesses to invest in modern trucks, reduce costs, and improve safety on our highways. Supporting our truckers means ensuring they have access to the tools they need to keep goods moving efficiently in our communities.” 

    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.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Restoring our Federal Border Lands

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

    Under the new Administration, illegal border crossings have never been lower. However, the aftermath of incredibly loose border security policies has created a mess that now needs to be cleaned up. Under numerous Executive Orders, our border security measures have been tightened, securing communities near the border and across the United States. In step with these measures, the House Committee on Natural Resources is producing legislation that will protect our lands and expand Border Patrol’s access in wilderness areas.

    This week, under Natural Resources Committee jurisdiction, a hearing was held through the Subcommittee on Federal Lands to discuss the FLASH Act, which provides comprehensive solutions to complement the Trump administration’s actions and ensure that federal border lands are protected from the national security, environmental, and humanitarian crises resulting from illegal immigration. 

    Over the past several years, we have seen a buildup of trash and unauthorized trails, laying waste to the majesty of our nation’s landscape and unique geography that frames the southern border. Taking care of our nation’s land has always been a priority, especially as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. In that capacity, it was a privilege to visit the southern border last spring to see first-hand how many problems leaving our border wall unfinished caused. Federal land management agencies oversee roughly 35 percent of the U.S. southern border. Even during periods of strong border enforcement, the remote nature of these border lands makes them prime targets for criminals, drug smugglers and human traffickers. And because of this influx, we see large amounts of trash and unauthorized trails created in their wake.

    It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to our nation’s border security crisis by implementing solutions, like the FLASH Act, that will provide much-needed relief for border communities and the men and women who risk their lives to protect them. House Republicans are ready to offer solutions to the problems Americans have been asking for years to be solved. And the House Natural Resources Committee is stepping up to the plate to deliver on that promise.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: It’s Time for ESA Reform

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

    For the sake of both the environment and the economy, Congress must advance common sense Endangered Species Act (ESA) reforms that return power to private landowners while simultaneously protecting endangered species in a responsible way. Weaponization of the ESA and its morass of red tape are impeding our ability to move forward on vital land management practices and even building important and necessary infrastructure, all in the name of environmental activism that’s actually doing more environmental harm than good. That is why I was proud to introduce the Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025 this week.

    The original noble intent of the ESA was to evaluate and label at-risk wildlife while also providing a path toward full recovery. Yet since its implementation over 50 years ago, only 3% of listed species have ever been recovered. As stewards of God’s creation, we must always be mindful of our land and waters, the flora and fauna inhabiting it, and our responsibility as caretakers. When we manage our lands, waters, fields, and forests, we are caring for the homes of the plants and wildlife who reside there. Unfortunately, the ESA is failing on its goal to recover species.

    My bill, the ESA Amendments Act of 2025, will implement necessary measures to take the power away from litigious environmental activist groups who openly profit off weaponizing species management and instead give more responsibilities to state, local, and tribal governments who often times have a much better understanding of the species, their needs, and their habitats.

    As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, it is my duty to lead on this issue, and it is immensely important that Congress passes this legislation which will restore commonsense to the species management process and ensure America’s rich, abundant wildlife thrives for generations to come.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Spring Break in Full Bloom

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

    Warmer weather, longer days, and budding trees. All signs that spring has arrived in Arkansas and across the country. Many of our students across the state are likely enjoying the final days of a restful break from school, as Spring Break wraps up at the end of this week. 

    Hopefully numerous Arkansans were able to take advantage of the warmer weather while on break by exploring all the Natural State has to offer. Whether that be paddling down the Buffalo National River, camping out at one of our beautiful lakes, or enjoying all that can be found outdoors like hiking, biking, and fishing. And of course, many Arkansans ventured outside of the state to visit family or major cities across the country.

    We welcomed several constituents to Washington DC this week, several of whom were visiting our nation’s capital on a memorable family vacation. There is certainly no shortage of attractions or things to do – from the countless Smithsonian museums that line the National Mall where you can enjoy beautiful artwork and artifacts, and tours for notable places like the Arlington National Cemetery, the White House, and the Capitol. The options are endless, and I’m pleased to have seen so many Arkansans enjoy their time in DC. 

    A notable attraction for many who make their way to Washington DC are the beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom for a very limited time, framing the Tidal Basin and scattered throughout the city. The Capitol grounds are home to several of these Japanese-native trees like the prunus serrulata, prunus ‘NCPH1’, and prunus subhirtella – a few of the varieties that can be found on the grounds surrounding the Capitol building. 

    The most iconic cherry trees dotting the Tidal Basin, featured in all the photographs you’re likely familiar with, are of the prunus yedoensis variety. These trees aren’t usually too big in size, reaching about forty to fifty feet upon maturity with a broad, open crown and attracting birds, butterflies, bees, and tourists with cameras. These beloved cherry trees were a gift of friendship from Japan in 1912, and after experiencing a flood that decimated many of their trees seventy years later in 1982, horticulturalists used cuttings from the trees gifted to the United States to restore the ones that had been lost in Japan. 

    However you found yourself enjoying spring break, or even just enjoying the changing of the season, it is my sincere hope that you were able to take in our abundant, natural surroundings and reflect on all the beauty and opportunity our great state and nation have to offer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Advocating for Rural Arkansas in Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

    Our great state is home to beautiful rolling hills and scenic, winding highways. There’s also certainly an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, as well. After all, they don’t call it the Natural State for nothing. But this abundance of vast natural beauty also means that our state isn’t made up of big cities with sky high buildings and a bustling city life. No, Arkansas is largely made up of rural communities. These rural communities we call home provide opportunities for a way of life unavailable in the big cities but cherished by most who have experienced it. Just as rural life provides wonderful opportunities, it also comes with unique challenges such as communications and healthcare.

    Driving across the stately Ouachita and Ozark mountains, through the Arkansas River Valley, across the piney woods and the delta, and everywhere in between, locals who live in these parts know that their best chance at receiving up-to-date news and weather bulletins is often on the radio. Other rural communities across the country are also aware of how vital radio is to their livelihood, which is why the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 was introduced earlier this year. As a proud cosponsor of this bill, it is well-understood the importance of ensuring that AM radio is maintained in vehicles even though several car manufacturers are trying to move away from maintaining AM broadcast radio in their modernized automobiles. 

    Not only is receiving timely news a contributor to the challenges rural Arkansans face, the ever-present need for effective healthcare is always a concern for those living in under-resourced areas. Congress must work toward passing commonsense legislation that works for the families and individuals who require and deserve timely, reliable, and quality health care. Rural hospitals play a crucial role in the well-being of these individuals which is why it was a privilege to cosponsor the Rural Health Care Technical Assistance Act last week. This bill will codify and expand a current United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that is responsible for providing vital assistance to rural health care facilities, works toward preventing hospital closures, strengthens needed health care services in rural communities, and bolsters the stability of these institutions.

    As a representative of one of the more rural congressional districts in our country, I know firsthand just how vital it is for Congress to work toward passing commonsense legislation that works for the families and individuals in these under-resourced communities – not legislation that keeps them further from resources Americans in urban areas have every-day access to. The vast majority of our nation is built upon these vibrant communities, and the Arkansas Congressional Delegation will certainly continue to work with House Republicans to continue serving rural America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Biggs Urges DOGE to Investigate Exorbitant Salaries of Planned Parenthood’s C-Suite

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

    Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) led a letter to head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk in response to a report on the staggering salaries of Planned Parenthood’s C-Suite. Planned Parenthood received $700 million in taxpayer funding in 2022-2023, while their affiliate CEOs are bringing in near-seven digit salaries. Congressman Biggs’s letter requests that Elon Musk investigate how the company justifies outrageous executive salaries on the taxpayers’ dime.

    “Planned Parenthood profits off the abortion industry. American taxpayers should never be forced to fund abortion or the cozy lifestyles of the managers and directors of the abortion industry,” said Congressman Biggs.

    “Elon Musk and his team of auditors have proven their commitment to exposing government waste, fraud, and abuse, and I trust him to thoroughly investigate how taxpayer dollars are spent by the nation’s largest abortion provider.”

    Cosigners of the letter are: Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC), and Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA).

    The letter may be read here.

    The Daily Wire covered the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Biggs Introduces Resolution to Remove Judge Boasberg for Failure to Comply with Good Behavior Clause

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

    Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced a resolution to remove James Boasberg, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, for failure to maintain the standard of good behavior required by the U.S. Constitution. 

    Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to establish all federal courts inferior to the U.S. Supreme Court, and establishes that judges may only hold their positions during good behavior. This provision is separate and distinct from Congress’s authority to impeach civil officers for “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

    As detailed in the resolution, Judge James Boasberg knowingly and unjustly interfered with President Trump’s execution of foreign policy and targeted President Trump for partisan purposes and political gain. Under the Good Behavior Clause, Boasberg’s actions constitute misbehavior and subject him to removal from office.

    “We cannot stand by while activist judges who incorrectly believe they have more authority than the duly-elected President of the United States, impose their own political agenda on the American people,” said Congressman Biggs.

    “I have cosponsored resolutions to impeach Judge Boasberg. His removal from office via impeachment, however, will undoubtedly be blocked by Democrats in the Senate, since it requires a two-thirds majority. My resolution, on the other hand, asserts, pursuant to Article III, Section 1, that rogue judges may be removed the same way we confirm them—by a simple majority.

    “Judge Boasberg abused his judicial authority for political gain and is not in compliance with the constitutional Good Behavior Clause. He must not be permitted to remain in his position. Congress has a duty to fulfill the promises we’ve made to the American people, including defending the President’s authority to enforce our laws.”

    The resolution may be read here.

    Just the News covered the legislation here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Reintroduces the Stop the Censorship Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    Washington, D.C. – Representatives Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-9) issued the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 908, the Stop the Censorship Act, legislation reforming Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 to end Big Tech’s broad ability to censor Americans:

    “Big Tech, including social media giant Meta, were caught colluding with the Biden Regime to censor free speech involving explosive information about Hunter Biden’s laptop and content related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Yet, under current law, they are not held liable for restricting free speech online.  Countless other examples exist of the government and Big Tech silencing the American people who dare disagree with them all the while promoting propaganda to advance their liberal and woke political causes.  The government cannot censor lawful speech even if done indirectly.  This is an illegal deprivation of civil rights.  

    Free speech is a bedrock of the United States, but the overwhelmingly left-leaning Big Tech companies have taken that right away from Americans by silencing online speech they disagree with.  The Stop the Censorship Act revokes Big Tech’s Section 230 protections by providing a much-needed update to the Communications Act of 1934.  There should be no more Big Tech immunity for censoring lawful political speech,” stated Congressman Gosar.

    Background:

    Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1934 deputizes Big Tech companies to censor competition and lawful political speech, even affording immunity from legal challenges against anticompetitive conduct.

    The Stop Censorship Act revokes Big Tech’s broad immunity for the removal of “otherwise objectionable” material and instead protects the removal of “unlawful material,” extends protections to platforms for empowering users with the option to restrict access to any material, ensures Section 230 does not provide immunity from antitrust claims and requires platforms to abide by their own terms of service.

    Original Cosponsors:

    Representatives Boebert, Collins, Hageman, Mary Miller, Nehls, Norman, Tiffany

    A copy of the Stop the Censorship Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Reintroduces the Downwinders Parity Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    Bullhead City, AZ – Representative Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-09) issued the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 1362 the Downwinders Parity Act, legislation reauthorizing the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) and correcting an administrative oversight in the RECA Act of 1990 that arbitrarily excluded areas of Mohave County, Arizona and Clark County, Nevada:

    “Atomic weapons testing conducted during the Cold War at the Nevada Test Site came with a heavy cost to Americans living in Arizona, Nevada and within tribal communities.  Every person, known as “downwinders,” who developed cancer or other related illnesses after being exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing deserves to be compensated by the federal government. 

    Established by Congress In 1990, RECA provides compensation to downwinders living in certain areas affected by the nuclear weapons testing from 1945 to 1962.  Unfortunately, RECA failed to properly define the boundaries of impacted populations and many downwinders that resided in counties in close proximity to where the testing occurred, including in Mohave County, Arizona and Clark County, Nevada, were mistakenly excluded from the program for no logical reason.  

    Not only were downwinders residing in Mohave and Clark counties closer to the Nevada Test Site than residents in other eligible counties, but they also have the second-highest overall incidence rate of cancer in their respective states. 

    Since first being elected to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to fix the error that excluded Downwinders from Mohave and Clark Counties from filing claims with the federal government.  Congress has a moral responsibility to reauthorize RECA and update it by including both Mohave and Clark counties as affected areas, concluded Congressman Gosar. 

    Click here to view a copy of the legislation.

    Background:

     On October 15, 1990, the President enacted RECA (PL 101-426) to provide a fixed, one-time cash benefit to individuals exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining, and who incurred certain cancers. Specifically, the benefit is provided to individuals present at test sites, downwinders living north or west of the NTS during atmospheric tests, or uranium workers between 1942 and 1971. If the victim is deceased, the benefit can be provided to one surviving family member that must be the individual’s spouse, child, parent, grandchild, or grandparent.

    RECA was initially authorized for 20 years. The RECA Amendments of 2000 (PL 106-245) reauthorized the program for another 22 years and included Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties, but only part of Mohave County. Similarly, it only included townships

    13 through 16 at ranges 63 through 71 of Clark County, Nevada. Although Congress amended the affected area in Mohave County twice, it still failed to include the entire county. On May 11, 2022, the House passed the RECA Extension Act of 2022 (PL 117-139) to extend RECA

    for an additional two years, but without compensation for the entirety of Mohave County or Clark County.

    The authorization for RECA expired on June 7, 2024.

    Original Cosponsors (8): 

    Representatives Amodei, Hamadeh, Kennedy, Lee, Maloy, Moore, Owens, Titus

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Reintroduces the Public Lands Renewable Energy Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 1994, the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2025 (PLREDA),legislation which increases the production of wind and solar energy on public lands:

    “The previous administration’s unprecedented four-year war on American energy made it nearly impossible to produce domestic energy on public lands and was nothing short of catastrophic.  

    While timely permitting of energy projects on federal lands was a serious problem, looking ahead, renewable energy sources like wind and solar should be an integral part of the United States’ all-of-the-above energy strategy.  Our nation’s public lands can play a critical role in lowering energy prices and can help meet our nation’s growing energy demand.

    To help drive investment towards the highest quality renewable sources, my legislation streamlines land use and promotes more renewable energy on federal lands.  It also ensures revenue from their development is shared with the states and counties while also supporting conservation programs where these projects are located.  

    This funding will allow rural and western communities to benefit from renewable energy development on federal lands to support essential services,” said Representative Paul Gosar.

    “The demand for electricity in the U.S. is growing rapidly, driven by economic expansion, manufacturing, and new technologies. To meet this demand, we must unlock America’s full energy potential, including responsible development of renewable energy on federal lands,” added Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer at American Clean Power (ACP). “The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act is key to harnessing these resources to enhance energy security, improve grid reliability, and boost local economies. ACP appreciates Representative Gosar’s leadership in reintroducing this bill and looks forward to working with Congress to accelerate renewable energy development.”

    “With increasing demand for renewable energy development on public lands, it is critical that thoughtful policies are implemented that ensure continued conservation and public access. As hunters and anglers, we support the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act which would distribute a portion of revenue collected from renewable energy projects on public lands into a new conservation fund for the benefit of fish and wildlife habitat as well as improved recreational access to public lands. Passing this legislation into law would ensure a revenue source to support the interests of hunters and anglers alongside the expansion of renewable energy.” said Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

    “CRES is proud to support Congressman Gosar’s Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, which streamlines the responsible development of renewable energy on public lands,” said Heather Reams, President of the Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES). “As America moves toward energy dominance, we must embrace an all-of-the-above approach to energy. This bill expands our energy supply, benefits local communities and promotes environmental stewardship while ensuring continued economic growth.”

    Cosponsors:

    Representatives Amodei, LaMalfa

    Outside group support:

    American Clean Power Association

    Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

    Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

    Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES)

    Trout Unlimited

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Reintroduces Legislation Terminating Costly Obama-Biden Housing Rule

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    Washington, D.C. – Representative Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-09) issued the following statement after reintroducing legislation terminating the Biden-era 2021 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule:

    “Overreaching housing regulations first imposed by Barack Obama and re-upped by Joe Biden have extorted communities into giving up control of local zoning decisions while driving up the cost of affordable housing.

    By rejecting this intrusive Washington, D.C. mandate, my legislation codifies into law the recent decision by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to repeal the onerous Obama-Biden rules that have punished neighborhoods for refusing to fall in line with big government’s takeover of our communities.  

    Housing decisions are best made at the local level, not by some woke bureaucrat in Washington, D.C. that couldn’t find Lake Havasu City, Arizona on a map if they tried,” stated Congressman Gosar. 

    Background:

    The Fair Housing Act (FHA) was passed as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. The law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin. It also requires federal agencies and recipients of federal housing funds to affirmatively further fair housing. 

    In 2015, the Obama administration introduced the AFFH rule, which expanded the role of the federal government in local zoning decisions by increasing the certification process. It mandated the completion of complex jurisdictional and regional analysis, submission of a 92-question grading tool, and an analysis of impediments. 

    On June 9, 2015, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Gosar’s amendment to defund the AFFH regulation by a vote of 229-193.

    In 2020, the first Trump administration terminated the Obama-era 2015 AFFH rule, which “proved to be costly, complicated, and ineffective.” In 2021, the Biden administration restored the main provisions of the 2015 AFFH rule.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Reintroduces Legislation to Eliminate Program Favoring Foreign Workers over Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Representative Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S (AZ-09) issued the following statements after reintroducing H.R. 2315, the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act, legislation that would terminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service:

    “The OPT program completely undercuts American workers, particularly higher-skilled workers and recent college graduates, by giving employers a tax incentive to hire inexpensive, foreign labor under the guise of student training.

    Never authorized by Congress, OPT circumvents the H-1B visa cap set by Congress by allowing over 100,000 aliens admitted into our country on student visas to continue working in the United States for another three years after completing their academic studies.

    OPT incentivizes greedy businesses to fire Americans and replace them with inexpensive foreign labor by avoiding having to pay FICA and Medicare payroll taxes and other employee benefits.  The OPT program completely abandons young Americans who have spent years and tens of thousands of dollars pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics only to be pushed out of those fields by cheap foreigners.

    Our government should not be incentivizing foreign employees over Americans. This badly flawed government program should be eliminated,” said Representative Paul Gosar. 

    Background: 

    The Optional Practical Training program is a guest worker program administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service that was never authorized by Congress and was expanded by three years by the Obama Administration. OPT circumvents the H-1B cap by allowing over 100,000 aliens admitted as foreign students to work for up to three years in the United States after graduation. According to the Pew Research Center, the OPT program grew by 400% between 2008 and 2016 with 1.5 million foreign graduates of U.S. schools who used the program. 

    These foreign workers are exempt from payroll taxes making them at least 10-15 percent cheaper than a comparable American worker.  NumbersUSA reports OPT costs the Social Security and Medicare trust fund $4 billion annually.

    Congressman Gosar first introduced the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act in the 116th Congressand has twice signed amicus briefs in support of American workers in their lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security to eliminate OPT.

    The Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act does not prohibit F-1 students from working in the United States while in school.  It simply terminates an unauthorized and unfair program that allows F-1 students to remain in the United States for another three years following the completion of their education. 

    Original Cosponsors: 

    Representatives Biggs, Burchett, Gill, Hageman, Miller (IL), Moore (AL), Ogles, Roy

    Outside Froup Support: 

    America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), Immigration Accountability Project (IAP), NumbersUSA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces $1.3 million in Hurricane Ida aid for Louisiana Office of Risk Management

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,265,547 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid. 

    “Hurricane Ida’s storm surge, rains and winds badly damaged facilities in our state. This $1.3 million will help Louisianians cover the cost of office contents that Ida destroyed,” said Kennedy.

    The FEMA aid will fund the following:

    • $1,265,547 to the Office of Risk Management to replace office contents that Hurricane Ida damaged.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE JUST PASSED BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION TO END TRUMP’S DESTRUCTIVE TARIFFS ON CANADA; SENATOR CALLS ON HOUSE TO VOTE ON RESOLUTION AND STAND UP AGAINST TARIFFS TO PROTECT UPSTATE NY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Senate Last Night Passed Bipartisan Resolution Terminating Trump’s National Emergency That Is Justifying His Destructive Tariffs On Canada, With Republicans Joining Rebuke Saying Canadian Tariffs Would Raise Prices And Hurt Local Economies

    Trump’s Tariffs Could Cost New York State Families And Businesses $7+B; Raise Prices On New Yorkers As Much Over $5,000 For Gas, Groceries, Cars And Everyday Goods – All While Decimating Small Businesses, Killing Good-Paying Jobs, Shrinking 401K’s And Damaging Upstate NY’s Vital Tourism Industry

    Schumer: House Republicans Must Join Senate To Protect Upstate NY From Devastating Price Increases And Job Losses

    U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced the Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution led by Senator Kaine to end Trump’s destructive tariffs on Canada. Schumer called on the House, particularly NY Republicans, to join the Senate in passing this resolution to protect New York from disastrous price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada, which is New York State’s top trading partner.

    “Trump’s destructive tariffs are a tax on Upstate New Yorkers, raising costs for families, small businesses, and hurting jobs. I’m proud that the Senate voted to stand up against this price hike on Upstate NY families and small businesses and begin to stop this Trump Slump to our economy. Now the House of Representatives must follow suit, and I am calling on the House to vote on the Senate’s bipartisan bill undoing Trump’s disastrous tariffs on Canada.” said Senator Schumer. “Yesterday was not liberation day, it was tax day. Trump’s tariffs on Canada will mean higher prices for middle class families, essentially a tax increase on people and small businesses already struggling with high costs.”

    Schumer said the Senate vote to end Trump’s destructive tariffs on Canada – America’s neighbor, close ally, and top trading partner – is a step in the right direction. Schumer explained Trump’s tariffs are a tax on Americans that are expected to increase costs for Upstate New York’s families by over $5,000 a year and could impact 150,000+ jobs in directly targeted industries across Upstate New York. Across New York State, families and business are expected to pay over $7 billon due to Trump’s tariffs.

    Earlier this week, Schumer broke down the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Upstate New York. Canada is New York State’s top importer and exporter, last year importing $20.5 billion of goods from Canada and exporting $17.4 billion. 70% of Canadian imports are used to manufacture American-made products. In the North Country, there are nearly 100 businesses connected to Canadian companies in the Plattsburgh area alone, and an estimated 20% of the local workforce either commutes across the border for work or works for a Canadian or border-related company here in the US. Approximately 20% of the Plattsburgh workforce works for a Canadian or border-related employer, according to the North Country Chamber of Commerce.

    Schumer added, “Donald Trump called yesterday liberation day, but nobody was feeling even close to liberated. Quite the opposite: American families are learning the hard way that Donald Trump has them right in the middle of a pincer, and is squeezing them on both sides. On the one side, Donald Trump is pushing tariffs that will cost working families an extra over $5,000 a year. And by his own admission, he couldn’t care less. On the other side, Donald Trump is working with Republicans to gut vital programs working families rely on, like Medicaid, Social Security, veterans’ programs.”

    Schumer also explained Trump’s tariffs are damaging Upstate New York’s vital tourism industry and killing good-paying jobs. The tariff war is already slowing sales, and tourism from Canada is down. There has already been a 23% drop in the number of Canadians taking round-trip trips to the United States compared to February 2024, according to Statistics Canada. The U.S. Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in Canadian travelers would translate to $2.1 billion in lost spending and jeopardize 140,000 hospitality jobs nationwide, according to Forbes, many of which would be in Upstate NY as one of the most popular close by destinations.

    Trump previously delayed the start of his tariffs twice, creating uncertainty for families and small businesses and triggering volatility for the American economy. Trump’s tariff uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, hurting Upstate New York seniors’ retirements. Today, the markets are plunging, with the Dow down 800 points, and the SP500 on track for its worst day in years. This will hurt Upstate New York’s seniors’ retirements and is leading to fears for a recession.

    Schumer concluded, “If the Speaker really cares about the American people and the costs they would bear by these tariffs, he should call back the House and take up the Senate bill immediately. We will not stop fight to stop this un-strategic and destructive trade war and lower costs for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, 2025

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    This month, we recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month by ending the unfathomable human abuse committed under open borders policies.

    One of the leading causes of sexual violence over the last 4 years has been the invasion of illegal aliens at our southern border.  In a treasonous act of betrayal against the American people, the previous administration unleashed an army of gangs and criminal aliens from the darkest and most dangerous corners of the world — causing a dramatic increase of sexual violence in our neighborhoods and communities.  These reckless policies empowered some of the most depraved people on the planet to exploit women and children in the most vicious ways imaginable.

    We will never forget the names of precious American souls like Jocelyn Nungaray, Laken Riley, Rachel Morin, and many others who were savagely killed by illegal alien crime.  Last June, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally assaulted and murdered by two illegal aliens in her home state of Texas.  To memorialize her young life and love of nature and animals, I proudly renamed the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.  May this be Jocelyn’s little piece of Heaven on Earth.

    Every act of violence committed against an American at the hands of an illegal alien is a crime beyond all comprehension.  For that reason, I am doing everything in my power to defend the dignity of every human life, keep violent criminals out of our country, and end sexual violence — including the degrading scourge of sex trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery that has battered multitudes of innocent lives and scarred untold numbers of our most vulnerable fellow citizens.

    To protect our communities, one of my first actions as President was to declare a national emergency at the southern border.  I also designated cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists to end their campaign of violence and bloodshed.  In my first legislative action as President, I signed into law the Laken Riley Act, which requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal aliens convicted of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.  I have also initiated the largest deportation operation in the history of our country — including the deportation of hundreds of illegal alien gang members to El Salvador. 

    As President, I am bringing back security on our border, safety on our streets, and law and order in our communities.  Under my leadership, human trafficking is being brought to a rapid end, and justice is being swiftly served.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.  I urge all Americans, families, law enforcement personnel, healthcare providers, and community and faith-based organizations to support survivors of sexual assault and work together to prevent these crimes in their communities.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Report to the President on the America First Trade Policy Executive Summary

    Source: The White House

    Pursuant to the January 20, 2025 Presidential Memorandum on America First Trade Policy (AFTP), directed to the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, U.S. Trade Representative, Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, the President instructed the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative to report to the President on April 1, 2025, on the topics set forth therein, consisting of 24 individual chapters containing the reviews, investigations, findings, identifications, and recommendations enumerated in Sections 2(a) through 4(g) of the Presidential Memorandum. The Report also includes the expanded scope of work on non-reciprocal trading practices directed by the February 13, 2025 Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs. The findings from Sections 3(c), 3(d), and 3(f) of the February 21, 2025 Presidential Memorandum on Defending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties are incorporated therein. This unified report is delivered to the President accordingly.

    Introduction

    An America First Trade Policy will unleash investment, jobs, and growth at home; reinforce our industrial and technological advantages; reduce our destructive trade imbalance; strengthen our economic and national security; and deliver substantial benefits for American workers, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses. The America First Trade Policy Report (the Report) provides a foundation and resource for trade policy actions that will Make America Great Again by putting America First. It presents comprehensive recommendations covering the full scope of trade policies and challenges, from market access and the de minimis duty exemption to export controls and outbound investment restrictions. 

    The need for an America First Trade Policy is self-evident. For decades, the United States has shed jobs, innovation, wealth, and security to foreign countries who have used a myriad of unfair, non-reciprocal, and distortive practices to gain advantage over our domestic producers. There is no better expression of this dangerous state of affairs than America’s large and persistent trade deficit in goods, which soared to $1.2 trillion in 2024. Emerging from a tenuous geopolitical landscape in the previous four years, the United States cannot approach international economic and industrial policy issues with malaise. Our Nation’s future prosperity and national security requires a coordinated, strategic approach that fully utilizes the authorities and expertise of the Federal government to ensure the enduring economic, technological, and military dominance of the United States.

    It was for this reason that President Trump wasted no time in launching the America First Trade Policy mere hours after taking his oath of office. In the weeks that followed, he expanded the scope of work to include non-reciprocal trading practices—a key driver of the trade deficit—and foreign extortion of American firms, especially leading U.S. technology companies. For most administrations, success in any of the 24 separate workstreams discussed in the Report would represent some of the most significant international economic change in the history of the country. Each could easily take decades to resolve. In fact, it is precisely because decades have passed without resolution of these issues that urgent action is required today. The United States does not have decades to continue tinkering around the edges of international economics—the urgency of the situation requires bold action now.

    Today—on April 1—after a mere 71 days on the job, President Trump’s Administration delivered the results of its work. The Report provides the President with recommendations for transformative action. The Report charts a course for his Presidency to reshape U.S. trade relations by prioritizing economic and national security, and restoring the ability to make America, once again, a nation of producers and builders.

    Specifically, the Report includes a chapter for each subsection in the AFTP Memorandum, with an additional chapter for Section 3(f) of Presidential Memorandum on Defending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties; reporting pursuant to Sections 3(c) and 3(d) of the latter are included within Chapter 3. Although the full Report delivered to the President is non-public, what follows is a brief public summary of the contents of each chapter.

    Addressing Unfair and Unbalanced Trade

    Chapter 1. Economic and National Security Implications of the Large and Persistent Trade Deficit (Section 2(a) of AFTP)

    The Report opens with a discussion of the magnitude and urgency of the economic and national security threat posed by the large and persistent trade deficit. In particular, the trade deficit demonstrates a fundamental unfairness and lack of reciprocity in how the United States is treated by its trading partners. For decades, while the United States has kept its tariffs low and its economy open, our trading partners have imposed egregious tariff and non-tariff barriers on American goods and services.  These unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices have undermined U.S. competitiveness, leading to business closures, job losses, missed market opportunities for American exporters, loss of industrial capacity, and an atrophying of our defense industrial base and national security posture. The sum total of these various non-reciprocal practices is that American exporters are less competitive abroad and foreign imports are artificially more competitive in the United States. Hence, our large and persistent trade deficit. The Report makes recommendations to the President to reduce the trade deficit, including the imposition of a tariff on certain imports in pursuit of reciprocity and balanced trade.

    Chapter 2. The External Revenue Service (Section 2(b) of AFTP)

    Through a collaboration between the Department of Commerce (DOC), the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the creation of an External Revenue Service (ERS) offers an opportunity to improve tariff collection. Tariffs have historically played a central role in the collection of Federal revenues. One way the United States can maximize its revenue recovery while deterring fraudulent and unfair trade practices is by establishing a centralized system to optimize revenue collection in the form of an ERS. By closing regulatory gaps and modernizing revenue collection mechanisms, the United States can reaffirm its commitment to a strong, fair, and enforceable trade system that benefits American businesses and taxpayers alike.

    Chapter 3. Review of Unfair and Non-Reciprocal Foreign Trade Practices (Section 2(c) of AFTP)

    U.S. trading partners pursue various unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices. In its review, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) identified more than 500 of these practices, and stakeholders reported many more during a public comment process. Many countries impose higher tariffs on U.S. exports than the United States imposes on imports from those countries. The U.S. average applied tariff is 3.3%. But the average tariffs in the European Union (EU) (5%), China (7.5%), Vietnam (9.4%), India (17%), and Brazil (11.2%) are all higher. The disparity is even more evident in specific products. The U.S. most-favored nation (MFN) tariff on passenger vehicles is 2.5%, but the EU, India, and China tariff cars at much higher rates, 10%, 70%, and 15% respectively. The United States has no tariffs on apples, but India has a 50% tariff and Turkey a 60.3% tariff.

    Non-tariff barriers by our trade partners are often an even greater obstacle. The EU only allows imports of shellfish from two states—Massachusetts and Washington—but the United States gives the EU unlimited access to the U.S. shellfish market. The United Kingdom (UK) maintains non-science-based standards that adversely affect U.S. exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products. Non-tariff barriers also include domestic economic policies that suppress domestic consumption. While the U.S. share of consumption to gross domestic product (GDP) is 68%, it is much lower in Ireland (24%), China (38%), and Germany (49%). This is because our trading partners pursue intentional policies of consumption-reduction (e.g., wage suppression and labor, environmental, and regulatory arbitrage) to gain unfair trade advantage over the United States. This, in turn, contributes to our large and persistent trade deficit. USTR recommends a number of ways in which current legal authorities might be used to address these unfair practices and trade barriers.

    Chapter 4. Renegotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (Section 2(d) of AFTP)

    In his first term, President Trump ended the job-killing North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and replaced it with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). USMCA gained new market access for American exporters and adopted rules to incentivize the reshoring of manufacturing to the United States. It also included an innovative review mechanism to ensure that the agreement is responsive to changing economic circumstances. Under the USMCA Implementation Act, USTR is statutorily required to initiate the review process ahead of the July 2026 deadline. Numerous changes are needed, such as stronger rules of origin to reduce the inflow of non-market economy content into the United States, expanded market access—especially for dairy exports to Canada, and action to address Mexico’s discriminatory practices, such as in the energy sector.

    Chapter 5. Review of Foreign Currency Manipulation (Section 2(e) of AFTP)

    The Secretary of the Treasury is required to assess the policies and practices of major U.S. trading partners with respect to the rate of exchange between their currencies and the United States dollar pursuant to section 4421 of title 19, United States Code, and section 5305 of title 22, United States Code. The Department of the Treasury will strengthen its ongoing currency analysis and address the lack of transparency by foreign governments in currency markets.

    Chapter 6. Review of Existing Trade Agreements (Section 2(f) of AFTP)

    The United States has 14 comprehensive trade agreements in force with 20 countries. There is significant scope to modernize existing U.S. trade agreements so that trade terms are aligned with American interests while addressing underlying causes of imbalances. This includes lowering foreign tariff rates for American exporters, improving transparency and predictability in foreign regulatory regimes, improving market access for U.S. agricultural products, strengthening rules of origin to ensure the benefits of the agreement appropriately flow to the parties, and improving the alignment of our trading partners with U.S. approaches to economic security and non-market policies and practices.

    Chapter 7. Identification of New Agreements to Secure Market Access (Section 2(g) of AFTP)

    The negotiation of new trade agreements with trading partners offers an opportunity for the United States to knock down non-reciprocal barriers to U.S. exports, especially for agricultural products, and reshape the global trading system in ways that promote supply chain resilience, manufacturing reshoring, and economic and national security alignment with partners. The Report identifies countries and sectors which may be ripe for the negotiation of America First Agreements.

    Chapter 8. Review of Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Policies (Section 2(h) of AFTP)

    Administered by DOC, anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) are a critical tool to address unfair trade and support domestic manufacturing. Recommendations include considering the addition of new countries to the list of non-market economies, methodologies to better implement AD/CVD laws, and more-active self-initiation of new investigations.

    Chapter 9. Review of the De Minimis Exemption (Section 2(i) of AFTP)

    Packages containing imports valued at $800 or less imported by one person on one day currently enter the United States duty free. The United States should end this duty-free de minimis exemption.  This exception has resulted in approximately $10.8 billion in foregone tariff revenue in 2024 alone.  De minimis shipments also pose serious security risks to the United States. The de minimis exemption is a means by which fentanyl, counterfeit goods, and various deadly and high-risk products enter the United States with little scrutiny. Countless consumer products that don’t meet U.S. health and safety standards, such as flammable children’s pajamas and lead-ridden plumbing fixtures, enter the United States through under the de minimis administrative exemption every year.  This is in part because the government does not collect sufficient data on low-value shipments to allow for enforcement targeting.  The de minimis exemption also allows for importers to evade trade enforcement tariffs; for instance, goods entering through the de minimis exemption do not need to pay duties owed pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. With nearly four million packages arriving each day through the de minimis exemption, it is imperative that DOC and CBP recover our rightful tariff revenue and defend our national security by ending the exemption.

    Chapter 10. Investigation of Extraterritorial Taxes (Section 2(j) of AFTP)

    The United States must combat efforts by foreign governments to collect illegitimate revenue from U.S. firms by imposing various discriminatory taxes and regulatory regimes aimed to capture the success of America’s most successful companies—not the least of which are our leading technology firms. Digital Services Taxes, for example, are often devised so as to shield most non-U.S. headquartered firms from taxation and UTPRs determine tax based primarily on factors outside the taxing jurisdiction. We need to ensure we have available the tools necessary to defend U.S. interests, including by providing technical assistance in furtherance of new legislative tools and further investigating identified taxes to determine the appropriate action.

    Chapter 11. Review of the Government Procurement Agreement (Section 2(k) of AFTP)

    Buy American is the epitome of common-sense public policy. In recent decades, the United States has weakened domestic procurement preferences by opening up our procurement market pursuant to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). Unfortunately, this market access is lopsided. A 2019 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the GPA found that in 2010, the United States reported $837 billion in GPA coverage. This was twice as much as the $381 billion reported by the next five largest GPA parties (the EU, Japan, South Korea, Norway, and Canada), despite the fact that total U.S. procurement was less than that of these five partners combined. Moreover, some GPA partners open their procurement markets to third countries who are not parties, forcing U.S. suppliers to compete for the preferential market access they are entitled to under the agreement. To address this lack of reciprocity and unfair competition, the United States should modify or renegotiate the GPA, and if unsuccessful, withdraw.

    An additional challenge is that, although defense procurement is closed to GPA partners, the Department of Defense still gives countries access to our huge defense procurement market by negotiating Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreements. Shockingly, these RDPs not only open our market to foreign suppliers, but also require U.S. firms to move industrial capacity offshore as a condition of access to the markets of partner countries. These RDPs must be reviewed to ensure they put America First.

    Economic and Trade Relations with the People’s Republic of China

    Chapter 12. Review of the Phase One Agreement (Section 3(a) of AFTP)

    A key success of President Trump’s first term was the Phase One Agreement with China. Unfortunately, five years following the entry into force in February 2020, China’s lack of compliance with the Agreement is a serious concern. China has failed to live up to its commitments on agriculture, financial services, and protection of intellectual property (IP) rights. USTR assessed this lack of compliance and recommends potential responses.

    Chapter 13. Assessment of the Section 301 Four-Year Review (Section 3(b) of AFTP)

    The United States imposed tariffs pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 in 2018. The law requires that Section 301 actions be reviewed every four years by USTR. The first Four-Year Review was completed in May 2024 and resulted in increases of some of the Section 301 tariffs on China. USTR assessed the results of this review to ensure the Section 301 action remains fit for purpose.

    Chapter 14. Identification of New Section 301 Actions (Section 3(c) of AFTP)

    Given the expansiveness of China’s non-market policies and practices, there may be a need for additional Section 301 investigations. USTR looked at various elements of China’s non-market policies and practices to identify additional investigations that may be warranted.

    Chapter 15. Assessment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (Section 3(d) of AFTP)

    After China was granted Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with the United States in 2000, China took full advantage of the openness of the U.S. economy by leveraging its state-directed capital investments and subsidies, industrial overcapacity, lax labor and environmental standards, forced technology transfer policies, and countless protectionist measures. U.S. goods imports from China increased from $100 billion in 2000 to $463.9 billion in 2024, while the U.S. trade deficit in goods with China ballooned from $83.8 billion in 2000 to $295.4 billion in 2024. More than two decades after being granted PNTR, China still embraces a non-market economic system. USTR carefully reviewed legislative proposals related to PNTR and advised the President accordingly.

    Chapter 16. Assessment of Reciprocity for Intellectual Property (Section 3(e) of AFTP)

    The full extent of China’s abusive tactics and practices with respect to U.S. intellectual property is staggering. The Report catalogues China’s abuses of this system and recommends appropriate responsive actions to address China’s massive imbalance on treatment of intellectual property.

    Additional Economic Security Matters

    Chapter 17. Identification of New Section 232 Actions (Section 4(a) of AFTP)

    In his first term, President Trump used Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to save America’s steel and aluminum industries. Last week, President Trump invoked Section 232 to impose a 25% tariff on foreign automobiles and certain automobile parts to protect our automotive industrial base. Reshoring industrial production in key sectors is critical to national security, and DOC identified additional products and sectors that merit consideration for initiation of new Section 232 investigations, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and certain critical minerals. 

    Chapter 18. Review of Section 232 Action on Steel and Aluminum (Section 4(b) of AFTP)

    On February 11, President Trump ended all product exclusions and country exemptions for the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. DOC further explains the basis for this needed action and recommends additional measures for steel and aluminum for that could be taken.

    Chapter 19. Review of U.S. Export Controls (Section 4(c) of AFTP)

    The United States must ensure that its advanced technology does not flow to our adversaries. Export controls should be simpler, stricter, and more effective, while promoting U.S. dominance in AI and asserting global technological leadership.

    Chapter 20. Review of the Office of Information and Communication Technology and Services (Section 4(d) of AFTP)

    Using his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), President Trump created a new Office of Information and Communication Technology and Services (ICTS) at DOC in his first term. In the last administration, however, ICTS was underutilized. DOC reviewed ongoing ICTS work and identified key areas to strengthen and improve in line with ITCS’s original intent, including expanding its scope and remit to encompass advanced technologies controlled by our adversaries.

    Chapter 21. Review of Outbound Investment Restrictions (Section 4(e) of AFTP)

    President Trump’s America First Investment Policy serves as a basis for how the Administration will approach investment policy, including on outbound investment restrictions. Pursuant to the America First Investment Policy, the National Security Council and the Department of the Treasury will evaluate options that allow American business to thrive while ensuring that they, too, put America First and do not undermine U.S. national security interests. Among the things the Administration plans to evaluate is whether the scope of outbound investment restrictions should be expanded to be responsive to developments in technology and the strategies of countries of concern.

    Chapter 22. Assessment of Foreign Subsidies on Federal Procurement (Section 4(f) of AFTP)

    Foreign subsidies can disadvantage domestic products in a country’s government procurement market. The EU has recognized this problem and introduced the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) to address distortions caused by foreign subsidies for public procurement. OMB assessed the value of the FSR and other policies to tilt the playing field in favor U.S. producers by strengthening domestic procurement preferences and closing loopholes.

    Chapter 23. Assessment of Unlawful Migration and Fentanyl Flows from Canada, Mexico, and China (Section 4(g) of AFTP)

    On February 1, President Trump invoked IEEPA to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China to stop the threat posed by the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the United States. DOC and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) elaborated on the necessity for the strong action already taken by President Trump and identified measures to further stem the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the United States.

    Chapter 24. E-Commerce Moratorium (Section 3(f) of Presidential Memorandum on Defending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties)

    At present, WTO Members have committed to a temporary moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, known popularly as the e-commerce moratorium. In other words, no tariffs on data flows. However, some countries—such as India, Indonesia, and South Africa—seek to tariff the flow of data, thereby destroying the internet and harming the competitiveness for U.S. companies that are global leaders. USTR assessed the risks posed by data tariffs and made recommendations to ensure that the e-commerce moratorium is made permanent.

    Conclusion

    The Report offers a broad, yet substantive, view of U.S. trade policy as it currently stands, and articulates a roadmap for where it should go. The U.S. trade policy of today does not address long-standing and destructive global imbalances, nor does it reflect the reality that the United States is the most open, innovative, and dynamic economy in the world, which is why we must work to unlock its full potential.  Now is the time to pursue trade and economic policies that put the American economy, the American worker, and our national security first. This Report provides a foundation to do exactly that.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Cancer Control Month, 2025

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    During Cancer Control Month, we honor the unwavering strength and courage of every American battling cancer and celebrate with over 18 million survivors who are still with us today.  We also hold dear the memories of beloved family members and friends that we have lost to this devastating disease.  My Administration remains devoted to pursuing groundbreaking medical advancement and spearheading innovative treatments to combat and prevent all forms of cancer.

    Last year, over 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer, and more than 600,000 lost their lives to this horrific disease.  Since 1990, adult cancer cases have surged by 88 percent, while childhood cancer cases, though still uncommon, has incrementally increased by 0.8 percent annually since 1975, leading to a more than 40 percent increase in the past 50 years.  These trends indicate that something is wrong.  That is why I have proudly established the Make America Healthy Again Commission to address the root causes of America’s chronic disease crisis.

    My Administration is committed to lowering healthcare costs; making additional treatment options available through Right to Try; and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Government.  By promoting transparency and ending conflicts of interest in federally funded health research, we are working to restore trust in our medical and scientific institutions.  As President, I am also tapping into emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to support cutting-edge research in innovative fields like genomics and immunotherapy, pioneering medical advances that will improve the lives of cancer patients. 

    Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.  However, there are encouraging signs of progress.  The combined death rate from all types of cancer continues to decline among both men and women, and the mortality rates for several common cancers — including lung, colon, breast, and ovarian — are steadily decreasing.  These promising developments reflect the unending efforts of our Nation’s dedicated healthcare professionals to diagnose cancers at earlier stages, improve prevention, and enhance treatment.

    Americans must take action to prevent and combat cancer.  Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting balanced eating habits, and engaging in regular physical activity may help prevent kidney, endometrial, esophageal, colorectal, and other cancers.  Avoiding tobacco use and alcohol consumption can also help prevent and combat cancers.  Additionally, Americans should discuss their family medical history with their doctors and undergo recommended screenings.  This can lead to an early diagnosis and increase the odds of overcoming the disease.

    As a country, we will continue to push the boundaries of medical innovation, driven by the unwavering spirit of the American people.  Together, we will work to vanquish cancer, eradicating the suffering and pain it has inflicted on too many American families.  I have unshakable faith in the greatness of our Nation and the excellence of our people.  We will continue to fight until we find a long-sought cure, and we will emerge victorious in our fight against cancer.

    The Congress of the United States, by joint resolution approved March 28, 1938 (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103), as amended, has requested the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as “Cancer Control Month.”

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as Cancer Control Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
    third day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CALLING ALL BAND KIDS: Harder to Nominate 5 High School Marching Bands to Play in Washington, D.C. Next Summer

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    Nominations are now open to play in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade 

    WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that nominations are now open for the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Harder is encouraging San Joaquin County high school band members to submit nominations to his office to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The deadline to nominate is April 14, 2025.

    Music Celebrations International organizes high school marching bands every year for the annual Memorial Day Parade, which includes nearly 200 bands, active and retired military units, youth groups and parade floats, as well as hundreds of veterans. The Parade highlights high school bands from every state, and Harder is encouraging parents and students alike to nominate their high school marching band to represent California next year.

    “We’ve got some of the best high school marching bands right here in the Valley—and now it’s their chance to shine on a national stage,” said Rep. Harder. “If you’re in the band, cheering from the stands, or just love a good halftime show, please send us your nominations. Let’s show the whole country the incredible talent we’ve got right here at home!”

    To nominate a band, fill out this form. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Harder Announces Bipartisan Action to Support Valley Farmers Amid Rising Tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    California almond growers hit with 35% Chinese tariff

    Fertilizer costs soaring

    WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new bipartisan action to support Valley farmers amid rising international tariffs threatening their livelihoods. Alongside Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) and more than a dozen colleagues, Harder helped introduce a resolution reaffirming Congress’ commitment to expanding market access, enforcing trade agreements, and eliminating trade barriers.

    The stakes are high:

    • More than 80% of U.S. potash fertilizer comes from Canada and is facing a 25% tariff.
    • China has imposed a 35% tariff on U.S. almonds, which are all grown in California.
    • These tariffs are driving up supply costs, limiting exports, and threatening farmers’ bottom lines.
    • Additional reciprocal tariffs are expected as early as April 2.

    “This is about protecting the Valley’s farmers who feed the country,” said Rep. Harder. “We’re the fruit and nut basket of the world, and our farmers shouldn’t be punished with rising costs and shrinking markets. These tariffs are going to hit our economy hard – it’s time for Congress to stand up and fight back.”

    “Agriculture is the backbone of America and an essential part of our economy,” said Rep. Johnson. “South Dakota is no stranger to the agriculture way of life and the importance of ag trade. I’m proud to partner with the Ag Trade Caucus to highlight the value of ag trade for our country and our farming and ranching families and communities.”

    The resolution is backed by a broad coalition of agricultural and food organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, California League of Food Producers, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and many more.

    Read the full resolution here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Moore Joins POTUS at White House, Applauds Reciprocal Tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore joined President Trump at the White House earlier today for the formal “Liberation Day” announcement regarding reciprocal tariffs on select foreign imports.

    Congressman Moore is the author of legislation in the House to strengthen the executive’s negotiating power on reciprocal tariffs, with the aim of reducing foreign tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that make it difficult for American manufacturers to access foreign markets.

    Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

    “For decades, foreign countries have enjoyed free access to the greatest consumer marketplace on the face of the planet, all while still charging our domestic producers hefty duties or imposing significant barriers to access their markets. Today that ends.

    “President Trump is the only president in my lifetime to acknowledge how unfair trade has gutted the heartland and shipped countless jobs overseas. By finally reciprocating in-kind, we’ll force foreign competitors to the negotiating table, lower trade barriers, and ultimately create real free and fair trade across the board.

    “I’m confident this move will boost our domestic manufacturing industry and fuel demand for American products across the globe.”

    See Congressman Moore’s commentary in support of reciprocal tariffs on Fox News, Fox Business Network, CNN, and Just the News.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Cleaver, Sherman, and Beatty Lead Call to Protect USICH, Federal Homelessness Resources from Trump Administration Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH) led 38 House Democrats in condemning President Trump’s executive order targeting the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) responsible for coordinating the federal response to homelessness. In a letter to President Donald Trump, the lawmakers called on the Trump Administration to rescind the executive order and to discontinue all executive actions that serve to exacerbate the nation’s fair and affordable housing and homelessness crisis.

    “The issuance of an EO declaring current components and functions of the USICH as elements of the federal government that “the President has determined are unnecessary” during an all-hands-on-deck homelessness crisis is nonsensical,” wrote the lawmakers. “This decision follows your Administration’s abrupt discontinuance of an unprecedented number of [Continuum of Care] technical assistance contracts through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) without any remedial efforts to offset the loss to CoCs coordinating housing and services for people experiencing homelessness.”

    “Your Administration’s EO undermining the work of USICH, and other federal agencies and departments, is irrational and counterproductive to federal efforts to address homelessness across the nation,” the lawmakers continued. “Therefore, we urge you to rescind the EO and respond to this letter with your plans to strengthen USICH’s independent, interagency mission and work with Congress to provide adequate funding and support for federal agencies, programs, and partners working to address the nation’s fair and affordable housing crisis.”

    Since the inauguration of President Trump, Congressman Cleaver has fought to protect federal housing programs from deep and reckless cuts being illegally imposed by Elon Musk and DOGE. In February, Cleaver launched the Congressional Public Housing Caucus to serve as a dedicated resource for Members of Congress to help defend and strengthen public housing nationwide. Last month, as co-chair of the CPHC, Cleaver condemned the Trump Administration and DOGE for their efforts to eliminate HUD initiatives, programs, and personnel essential to public housing, calling on Secretary Turner to provide a detailed analysis of the impact of such cuts. Last week, Cleaver joined Senator Alex Padilla to lead more than 100 congressional Democrat in denouncing cuts to HUD Field Offices nationwide.

    The official letter from lawmakers is available here.

     

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 3rd, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Join Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Rescind Illegal Executive Order Threatening Federal Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in urging President Donald Trump to rescind his March 27 executive order to end collective bargaining agreements between public employee unions and dozens of federal agencies and bureaus. In their letter, the Democratic Senators blasted the move as a “gross overreach” of presidential authority, asserting that the executive order is a clear attempt to gut the federal merit-based civil service and implement a system of political cronyism. They stressed that the order poses a grave threat to the ability of over 1 million federal workers to carry out their missions and deliver important services for the American people – and thus should be rescinded immediately.

    “We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs, a gross overreach of the authority granted in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people,” the Senators began.

    “The executive order effectively classifies two thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions, a blatant misuse of a limited authority intended to provide operational flexibility to address legitimate security needs,” they continued. “There is no evidence that the long-standing collective bargaining agreements at these agencies have jeopardized our nation’s security in any way; to the contrary, the protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference.”

    “This Administration clearly does not have even a basic understanding of the legally binding nature of federal collective bargaining agreements and is actively trying to bend the law to undermine protections for federal civil servants. We urge you to immediately rescind this illegal executive order so that our dedicated public servants can continue to work on behalf of the American public without fear for their job or political retribution,” the Senators concluded.

    The Senators’ letter is endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

    Led by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senators Heinrich and Luján were joined on this letter by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    A copy of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear President Trump: 

    We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs, a gross overreach of the authority granted in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). 

    This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people. They care for our veterans, deliver disaster assistance, prevent wildfires, help farmers improve crop yields, manage health benefits for 9/11 first responders, research treatments and cures for diseases, keep air travel safe, process tax returns, staff our national parks and much, much more. Nearly one third of these dedicated civil servants are veterans seeking to continue their service to our country out of uniform.  

    The executive order effectively classifies two thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions, a blatant misuse of a limited authority intended to provide operational flexibility to address legitimate security needs. The national security exemption has existed for nearly 50 years and has been used only sparingly by Republican and Democratic Administrations—including during your first term—to exclude federal offices with an unquestionable core function in intelligence, counterintelligence, or national security. There is no evidence that the long-standing collective bargaining agreements at these agencies have jeopardized our nation’s security in any way; to the contrary, the protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference. 

    Federal employees’ collective bargaining agreements are critical to ensuring they continue to serve the American people with the peace of mind that comes with being protected from unfair labor practices. Unlike in the private sector, federal employee unions in most cases cannot negotiate pay or benefits, which are set by Congress, and they are legally prohibited from striking. The federal collective bargaining agreements do, however, protect federal employees from illegal firings, retaliation, and discrimination. They also promote resources for whistleblowers and veterans. These federal union contracts give employees in the civil service protections from retaliation so they can serve the American people fairly and effectively without partisan political interference.  

    This executive order, which ruthlessly strips collective bargaining agreements for over one million federal workers, is the most recent attack your Administration has levied against our merit-based civil service in the effort to cut the workforce and replace them with political cronies. While the CSRA does give the president the authority to limit collective bargaining agreements due to national security concerns, the executive order’s direction to terminate mass swaths of federal employee collective bargaining agreements is clearly intended to broadly dismantle the CSRA, which is specifically designed to grant federal employees the right to collective bargaining as a means to resolve workplace issues while maintaining the smooth functioning of government operations.  

    When the Secretary of Labor testified in February in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Members of Congress asked her both in-person and through questions for the record whether she and the Administration would commit to honoring all legally binding collective bargaining agreements signed by federal agencies and labor unions, and whether federal employees have the right to organize and collectively bargain without fear of retaliation. The Secretary answered, “if confirmed, I will follow the law and work with the experts at the Department to understand the collective bargaining process at the Department and the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreements in place.” This Administration clearly does not have even a basic understanding of the legally binding nature of federal collective bargaining agreements and is actively trying to bend the law to undermine protections for federal civil servants.  

    We urge you to immediately rescind this illegal executive order so that our dedicated public servants can continue to work on behalf of the American public without fear for their job or political retribution.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Foster Introduce American Innovation Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 03, 2025

    As the Trump Administration continues to ax critical research funding, Durbin and Foster introduce legislation that would bolster research funding at five federal research agencies

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today reintroduced the bicameral American Innovation Act, which would provide annual budget increases at a rate of five percent, indexed to inflation, for cutting edge research at five federal agencies: the Department of Energy Office of Science; the National Science Foundation; the National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientific and Technical Research Services; the Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Directorate.  The American Innovation Act would position the U.S. as a leader in development and discovery for decades to come by creating steady, sustained funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies.

    “In its crusade to damage essential government infrastructure, the Trump Administration has failed to recognize that sustained support for basic scientific research has enabled the United States to put a man on the moon, build the internet, and produce a COVID-19 vaccine in record time.  If we want to maintain our status as a world leader in research and technology, we must empower and fund our federal research agencies and retain their top talent,” said Durbin.  “I’m introducing the American Innovation Act to ensure our nation’s scientists and researchers have access to critical funding to push our world forward while also creating jobs, growing our economy, and improving our national security.”

    “I’m proud to work with Senator Durbin on this legislation to expand federal investment in scientific research,” said Foster.  “Since World War II, investments in science and technology have helped expand our economy, create millions of jobs, and advance our national security.  As we confront new and existing challenges, it’s critical that our scientists have the resources they need to ensure our nation remains at the forefront of research and innovation.”

    The introduction of the American Innovation Act comes as the Trump Administration continues to gut federal research agencies by slashing programs and firing scientists conducting critical research.  These moves only harm the future of the U.S., as investments in scientific research have helped the nation lead the world in new technologies, create millions of jobs, grow the economy, and advance national security.  Further, without serious federal investment in research, the U.S. could fall behind its competitors, particularly China.

    Basic science funding in the U.S. has lagged in recent decades. Since the 1970’s, the United States investment in basic science has decreased by tenfold to about 0.1 percent of GDP.  Meanwhile, China’s research intensity (GDP expenditures on R&D) has increased by 500 percent since 1996– if this trend continues, China will soon surpass the U.S. in investment in science.

    The American Innovation Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).

    The legislation has earned the endorsement of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; Association of American Universities; American Mathematical Society; Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities; Council on Undergraduate Research, Institute for Progress; Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation; American Physical Society; Federation of American Scientists; American Geophysical Union; and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

    A one-pager on the legislation can be found here.

    -30- 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Speaks In Support Of Bipartisan Legislation To Impose Hard-Hitting Sanctions On Russia If It Does Not Negotiate In Good Faith To End The War In Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 03, 2025

    Durbin: “As the President negotiates away Ukraine’s freedom and America’s credibility, Congress has an obligation and a Constitutional responsibility to act.”

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, spoke in support of new, bipartisan legislation he introduced this week with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), which would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s ongoing illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine. The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by 50 U.S. Senators, evenly divided by party affiliation. These sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or initiates another effort, including military invasion, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after any such peace agreement is potentially reached. The legislation also imposes a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.

    Durbin began his floor speech by reminding his colleagues that instead of ending the war in Ukraine, President Trump has alienated and bullied our allies around the world with Russia still raining death and destruction upon Ukraine. 

    “Anyone here remember how Donald Trump promised to end Russia’s war on Ukraine in one day if he was elected? That’s right, in one day. Well, we are now 73 days into his term with Russia still raining death and destruction upon the people of Ukraine. And instead of ending the war, Donald Trump has alienated and bullied our allies around the world—our allies,” Durbin said. “By turning our backs on the rest of the world, Donald Trump has undermined the promise of America as a beacon of democracy, freedom, and human rights. And all the while, Russian President Putin is laughing at us—watching with glee as America destroys its own leadership and credibility, something he could only have dreamed of in his former KGB days.”

    Durbin went on to argue that the last few months of so-called negotiations between President Trump and President Putin have led nearly nowhere and have emboldened Russia, including a supposed ceasefire, narrowly limited to stop Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which was followed by relentless Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets, including a hospital; and a supposed deal to stop fighting in the Black Sea—a giveaway to Russia undermining Ukrainian successes there—which was manipulated to try and squeeze maximum sanctions relief from Russia.

    “Consider President Trump’s special peace envoy Steve Witkoff, a real estate tycoon from New York, who is in competition with Neville Chamberlain for the world’s most naïve appeaser. Witkoff recently told another Putin apologist, Tucker Carlson, that he liked Putin and didn’t regard him as a bad guy,” Durbin said. “The same Witkoff groveled over Putin’s obviously manipulative portrait gift to Trump and he said those forced at gunpoint in occupied eastern Ukraine to vote in a sham referendum actually really wanted to be part of Russia. He’s buying the Kremlin talking points.”

    Durbin concluded, “But as the President negotiates away Ukraine’s freedom and America’s credibility, Congress has an obligation and a Constitutional responsibility to act. So, I am glad this week that dozens of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle introduced legislation to make it clear to Russia that broad sanctions will be imposed if Russia does not negotiate in good faith and end this war soon. We owe Ukraine—and we certainly owe our own country—nothing less.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

    Last month, Durbin asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a simple resolution he introduced condemning Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children and called on Russia to work with the international community to return all abducted Ukrainian children to their families. Senate Republicans rejected Durbin’s UC request.

    In February, Durbin introduced the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and it is safe for them to return.

    In February, Durbin also joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and others in leading a simple resolution that expresses continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine and condolences for the loss of thousands of lives to Russian aggression; rejects Russia’s attempts to militarily seize sovereign Ukrainian territory; reaffirms U.S. support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine; and states unequivocally that Ukraine must be at the table for negotiations on its future.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Welch Probe AI Chatbot Apps on Safeguards for Children

    US Senate News:

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

    Senators: “In light of recent reports of self-harm associated with this emerging application category… policymakers, parents, and their kids deserve to know what your companies are doing to protect users.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are raising concerns regarding the mental health and safety risks posed to children using character- and persona-based AI chatbot and companion apps that have surged in popularity in recent years. In letters to the CEOs of three leading AI chatbot companies, Character.AI (C.AI), Chai, and Replika, the Senators are pushing the companies to ensure their products do not contribute to self-harm or suicide of young users.

    The letters come after recent reports have tied self-harm to use of these AI chatbot applications, including the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old boy in Florida who had extensive interactions with C.AI’s chatbot in the lead up to his death, resulting in multiple lawsuits. Since 2023, at least two individuals have died by suicide following extensive conversations with AI chatbots. Chai and Replika have also recently been named in consumer protection complaints, highlighting the safety risks of these products. C.AI recently announced new safety features, and Chai added crisis-intervention features, but the reliability of these systems is unclear.

    “The synthetic attention users receive from these chatbots (e.g., streams of expressive messages, sycophantic and agreeable responses, AI-generated selfies, and convincing voice calls) can, and has already, led to dangerous levels of attachment and unearned trust stemming from perceived social intimacy,” wrote the Senators.

    “This unearned trust can, and has already, led users to disclose sensitive information about their mood, interpersonal relationships, or mental health, which may involve self-harm and suicidal ideation—complex themes that the AI chatbots on your products are wholly unqualified to discuss,” continued the Senators. “Therefore, it is critical to understand how these models are trained to respond to conversations about mental health.”

    The Senators concluded by asking for information on the implementation, adoption, and efficacy of safety measures, including the data used to train their models and the treatment of strategic personnel involved in these efforts.

    “Given that young people are accessing your products—where the average user spends approximately 60-90 minutes per day interacting with these AI chatbots—policymakers, parents, and their kids deserve to know what your companies are doing to protect users from these known risks,” concluded the Senators.

    Earlier this year, Senator Padilla raised concerns about the safety of this emerging consumer product category during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, noting that AI chatbots have exposed kids to suggestive, sexual, or otherwise age-inappropriate themes.

    Full text of the letters to Character.AI, Chai, and Replika are available here, here, and here, respectively.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Restore FEMA’s Status as an Independent, Cabinet-Level Agency

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Restore FEMA’s Status as an Independent, Cabinet-Level Agency

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the FEMA Independence Act, bipartisan legislation to restore the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency and improve efficiency in federal emergency response efforts.

    The bill would remove FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and instead have the agency report directly to the president. It would also stipulate that FEMA’s Senate-confirmed leader must have “a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security” across the public and private sectors.

    “Americans depend on FEMA for support when disaster strikes. As states like California and North Carolina continue to recover from devastating natural disasters, it’s more important than ever that we strengthen and protect FEMA’s lifesaving work,” said Senator Padilla. “That starts with restoring to FEMA the independence it needs by making it a cabinet-level agency, separate from the Department of Homeland Security’s competing priorities and bureaucracy. It certainly does not mean shutting it down and turning our backs on our neighbors facing unimaginable loss.”

    “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help cut red tape and save lives by separating FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security and restoring its status as an independent, cabinet-level agency,” said Senator Tillis. “With the recent devastation caused by Helene in Western North Carolina, the need for this legislation is more urgent than ever. We must pass this bipartisan legislation to help those who are suffering and get FEMA working again for those in need.”

    From its activation in 1979 until the Homeland Security Act of 2002, FEMA lived within the federal government as an independent agency under the White House. The Department of Homeland Security absorbed it in 2003, even as then-Director Michael Brown warned that doing so would “sever FEMA from its core functions.”

    FEMA currently sits within DHS along with almost 20 other incorporated agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and more. Under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, its Administrator was named the principal advisor to the President of the United States for all matters related to emergency management.

    In the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles fires, Senator Padilla has introduced 10 bills to help prevent and respond to future disasters. In February, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. In January, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, the Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act, and the Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Nadler, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Elected Officials Join Red Hook Rally to Champion the Brooklyn Marine Terminal’s Future

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    Red Hook, NY – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler joined a rally organized by Voices of the Waterfront, a local coalition of concerned citizens who feel left out of the planning process for the massive, 122+ acre Brooklyn Marine Terminal redevelopment project. The rally will focused on the importance of a fair and equitable plan that delivers sustainable jobs tied to a true working waterfront as well as responsible coastal management keeping in mind the effects of climate change.

    “I have been an advocate and a supporter of the port of New York and New Jersey for more than forty years,” said Congressman Nadler. “Red Hook is the only remaining container port facility on the eastern side of the Hudson River. It is thriving and well managed, employing hundreds of people with good paying jobs and connecting our region to the world economy. It is of critical importance to New York City and the entire region that this port remains open and not converted or needlessly carved up for housing or other uses. Community and port experts agree that the priority for the city must be investments for a modern, efficient, and green port container facility. For too long the Port Authority, State and City have not properly invested in this facility and allowed it to fall into disrepair. With EDC taking ownership, it is now up to the city to fund these improvements. The City must make these improvements without linking these improvements to market rate housing. Keep them separate. Any change in zoning and potential new housing that is contemplated in the Red Hook neighborhood outside the port must not be rushed but evaluated through theregular land use review processes established by the city planning commission. This ensures full community participation and transparency. My message to the City and the task force members is clear: I urge you to approve port improvements now and defer housing decisions for later through the ULURP process.”

    Congressman Nadler represented the Red Hook Piers for thirty years is steadfast in his belief that Brooklyn’s last working waterfront be planned for the future and not downsized.

    Congressman Nadler was also joined by Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President; Alexa Aviles, Councilmember for District 38, Jumaane Wiliams, NYC’s Public Advocate; Marcela Mitaynes, Assembly District 51 and Shahana Hanif, Councilmember for District 39. 

     

    Congressman Nadler’s full remarks as prepared: 

     

    “I have been an advocate and a supporter of the port of New York and New Jersey for more than forty years. Red Hook is the only remaining container port facility on the eastern side of the Hudson River. It is thriving and well managed, employing hundreds of people with good paying jobs and connecting our region to the world economy. It is of critical importance to New York City and the entire region that this port remain open and not be converted or needlessly carved up for housing or other uses. Community and port experts agree that the priority for the City must be investments for a modern, efficient, and green container port facility.

    For too long, the Port Authority, the State and City have not properly invested in this facility and have allowed it to fall into disrepair. With EDC taking ownership, it is now up to the city to fund these improvements. The City must make these improvements without linking them to market rate housing. Keep them separate.

    Any change in zoning and potential new housing that is contemplated in the Red Hook neighborhood outside the port must not be rushed, but evaluated through the regular land use review processes established by the city planning commission. This ensures full community participation and transparency. My message to the City and the task force members is clear: I urge you to approve port improvements now and defer housing decisions for later through the ULURP process.

    Additionally, as everyone knows, all of our current container ports (except Red Hook) lie on Newark Bay: Newark, Elizabeth and Howland Hook.  Newark Bay, unfortunately, is on the other side of the Kill Van Kull, a narrow and treacherous body of water that separates Staten Island on the south and Bayonne on the north.

    In the event that a large ship were to sink, or be sunk, in the Kill Van Kull, most of our port would be closed for weeks, or even months, and with it, much of the region’s import supply chain.

    The security threat posed by having all our ports located in Newark Bay was illustrated last year, in Baltimore, when a container ship lost power and hit and destroyed the Key Bridge, blocking the entrance to the Port of Baltimore.  This tragic mishap highlights concerns that our port is vulnerable to closure – either by intentional or unintentional acts – because it is only accessible via the Kill Van Kull.

    EDC has stated its determination to shrink the Red Hook cargo facility, which serves as New York City’s only deepwater port.  In addition to shedding hundreds of jobs, increasing truck traffic, and raising transportation costs to New Yorkers, this policy would result in all of the port capacity upon which New York City relies being located on the other side of the Kill Van Kull, an arrangement which, as noted, has great susceptibility to major disruption and to easy attack.  We cannot allow that to happen.

    We need commerce and ships coming into the New York side of the Harbor where two-thirds of the population of this region live. The current operator, Red Hook Container Terminals LLC, plays an important role in our local economy, directly providing more than 500 jobs.  These are not low-paying retail or service-oriented jobs, but good high-paying union jobs, with healthcare and pension benefits – jobs that support families who live in the city. 

    Now that the City owns the Red Hook piers, it should be doing everything possible to expand and invest in the port in Brooklyn for our safety and security, and for the commerce, jobs, and cheap and efficient delivery of goods and services the Brooklyn port can provide.  Housing on the piers is not compatible with this.

    Let me repeat, and stress, that I strongly urge the City and EDC not to tie this port to housing, to fully commit to the necessary investments in the Red Hook piers, and to work with the port operator to ensure the long-term viability of the port and the survival of all these jobs.  It is imperative, from both an economic and security perspective, that this facility be kept open and operating, modernized and expanded to encompass the entire Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

    And if the City wants to propose more housing in Red Hook, it must be independently evaluated and not tied to preserving the port.  Any change in zoning and potential new housing that is contemplated in the Red Hook neighborhood outside the port must not be rushed, but evaluated by City Planning under a ULURP process, with the community participation that comes with that process.

    Again, my message to the City and the task force members is clear: I urge you to approve port improvements now and defer housing decisions for later through the ULURP Process.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Legislation to Increase Number of Housing Vouchers for Southern Nevada

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) today introduced the Housing Vouchers Fairness Act to increase the number of vouchers allocated to fast-growing states such as Nevada and Arizona to lower rental housing costs. Reps. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) are original co-sponsors of this legislation.

    “The number of Affordable Housing Choice Vouchers has lagged behind increased demand in fast-growing cities such as those in Southern Nevada,” Rep. Titus said. “Access to affordable, clean and safe rental housing is one of our most pressing issues. This bill directs HUD to provide funding for additional vouchers to the 25 fastest-growing metropolitan areas of 100,000 people or more. I will continue working to ensure housing is treated as a right, not a privilege.”

    “Growing up, I watched my single mom work tirelessly to afford a safe apartment for my sisters and me. But for too many Arizonans, no matter how hard they work, rents continue to rise and the only hope for assistance is at the end of a years-long waitlist,” said Senator Gallego. “My bill finally addresses the disparities in the federal housing voucher program so that more Arizonans can get into safe, affordable homes. This is just the first step in my fight to bring down housing costs in Arizona and across the country.”

    “The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) supports the reintroduction of the Housing Vouchers Fairness Act and the authorization of an additional $2 billion in funding to HUD for the Housing Choice Voucher program,” said Lewis Jordan, Executive Director of the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority. “Our organization works to provide safe and affordable housing which we feel is foundational for strong families and strong communities.  Increasing access to vouchers in fast-growing and high-cost communities ensures that working families have the opportunity for better employment, better education, and better opportunities, rather than struggle to provide basic needs for their children or elderly loved ones.”

    “The Nevada Housing Coalition supports the reintroduction of the Housing Voucher Fairness Act. This legislation takes a meaningful step toward correcting deep-rooted inequities in the distribution of housing assistance.

    Communities like Southern Nevada; one of the fastest-growing regions in the country continue to face tremendous challenges due to outdated funding formulas that simply don’t reflect current population growth or housing market realities,” said Maurice Page, Nevada Housing Coalition Executive Director. “This investment is not just about vouchers, it’s about giving families a fair shot at stability, dignity, and opportunity. We commend Representative Titus for championing this effort and remain committed to working alongside federal leaders to ensure housing resources reach the communities that need them most.”

    “We commend Congresswoman Titus for taking thoughtful steps to address Nevada’s growing housing affordability challenges,” said Robin Crawford, executive director of the Nevada State Apartment Association. “This legislation reflects a practical approach to strengthening the housing voucher program in a way that supports both residents in need and the housing providers who serve them. We look forward to continued collaboration with Representative Titus and other leaders to ensure meaningful progress on this critical issue.”

    “The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) supports the reintroduction of the Housing Vouchers Fairness Act, which will expand access to rental assistance by increasing the number of HUD housing vouchers allocated to states,” said the National Association of REALTORS®.  “Ensuring more families have access to safe, stable housing is critical to begin addressing our nation’s affordability crisis. REALTORS® are committed to advancing policies that promote housing stability, affordability, and fairness, and we thank Congresswoman Titus for introducing this important legislation.”

    Background

    The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, is the federal government’s major program for assisting low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled with affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.

    Currently, HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher program does not meet Southern Nevada’s demand for affordable rental housing because the number of available vouchers has not kept pace with the state’s growing population. Currently, the federal formulas that allocate vouchers are based on outdated population calculations dating back to the 2000 census.

    Clark County, NV, with a population of 2.3 million, has just over 12,500 vouchers available for residents. The city of Chicago, with a population of 2.6 million, has 47,000 vouchers, nearly four times the amount. From 2012 to 2022, Clark County’s population increased by 333,341 (16.75%), according to the US Census Bureau. There is currently a waitlist of 27,000 applicants for vouchers in Southern Nevada. 

    The Housing Vouchers Fairness Act corrects this disparity by authorizing an additional $2 billion in funding for HUD for the Housing Choice Voucher program to ensure the public housing authorities that represent the country’s 25 fastest-growing areas with a population of over 100,000 have enough vouchers to meet the needs of their populations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Leads Letter Urging President Trump Not to Eliminate Support for Museums and Libraries

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus is leading a letter signed by 127 members of the House of Representatives urging President Trump to reconsider his executive order dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

    “Eliminating the IMLS would deprive millions of Americans of the educational resources they need to succeed in today’s society,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Libraries and museums are part of the cultural bedrock of this nation, driving learning, innovation, and community engagement. We should be enhancing museum and library services — not decimating them.”

    “Libraries and museums are critical to local communities, providing educational and other services to people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The proposal to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services is unacceptable. I’ve heard from many Oregonians and local institutions with grave concerns about losing this necessary stream of funding. Closing IMLS will hurt the American people for years to come, and we will fight every step of the way to save it.”

    The full text of the letter to President Trump is as follows:

    We write to express our deep concern over the proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the devastating impact such cuts would have on communities throughout the country. 

    The IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting America’s museums and libraries. Operating in all 50 states and U.S. territories, it plays a vital role in strengthening these institutions which serve as essential educational, cultural, and economic pillars in our communities. From early literacy programs and STEM education initiatives to high-speed internet access and job training resources, funding for the IMLS enables libraries and museums to provide critical services to millions of Americans. The loss of this funding would be particularly devastating for rural, tribal, and other underserved communities that rely heavily on these institutions for access to learning resources, workforce development, and technological infrastructure.

    Beyond their valuable contributions to education and social development, museums and libraries also serve as significant economic drivers. The American Alliance of Museums reports that museums alone contribute more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year and support over 726,000 jobs. Museums have immense power to draw tourism and foot traffic to other local businesses and revitalize communities. For every $1 that museums and other nonprofit cultural organizations receive in government funding, they return more than $5 in tax revenue. They also have broad public support, with 96% of Americans wanting to maintain or increase federal funding for museums.   Libraries similarly generate economic returns through workforce training programs, small business support, and research services. Nearly all of the approximately 17,000 public libraries across the nation offer Wi-Fi access at no charge, and in 2019, Americans accessed the Internet using library computers close to 224 million times.  This includes millions of students who lack adequate broadband access at home and rely on libraries to complete their homework.  Despite this, IMLS funding accounts for a mere 0.0046% of the federal budget, an incredibly modest investment relative to the immense benefits these institutions provide.

    Eliminating the IMLS would not only jeopardize these essential services but also dismiss the everyday needs of millions of Americans who rely on libraries and museums for learning, job opportunities, and community engagement. We urge the Administration to reconsider this decision and recognize the far-reaching impact of IMLS funding. Maintaining and strengthening federal support for museums and libraries is not just an investment in cultural preservation, it is an investment in education, innovation, and economic growth.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to ensure that America’s libraries and museums continue to thrive and serve the public.

    MIL OSI USA News –