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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Leads Entire Democratic Caucus in Raising Alarm Over Trump Admin Pushing Illegal Indiscriminate Funding Cuts to NIH, Derailing Lifesaving Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Slams Indirect Cost Rate for NIH as Massive Indiscriminate Cut, Setting Back Progress on Lifesaving Research

    NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023

    Washington state receives $1.29 billion in NIH funding that supports nearly 12,000 jobs and nearly $3 billion in economic activity; STATE BY STATE analysis HERE of total NIH funding, jobs supported, and economic activity supported through NIH research

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing serious alarm over the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine America’s biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. The steps the Trump administration has taken would create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, and could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    “As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds,” Senator Murray and the Members wrote.

    Last week, the NIH announced it would set the maximum reimbursement rate for indirect costs to 15 percent—creating a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country. This move would dismantle the biomedical research system and stifle the development of new cures for disease. It won’t produce cost savings—it will just shift costs to states who can’t afford to pay the difference. Importantly, this action by the Trump administration is illegal—Congress’ bipartisan Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill prohibits modifications to NIH’s indirect costs.

    “This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly,” the senators wrote. On Monday, a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the NIH rate cut and set a hearing for February 21st.

    The senators’ letter points out that, in addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023 and every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. 

    “The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications “pause” enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research—they cost lives,” the senators continued.

    “Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted.”

    The letter was signed by the entire Senate Democratic caucus: in addition to Senator Murray, Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) signed onto the letter.

    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. 

    A PDF of the letter is available HERE and the full text is below.

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We write to express our serious concern with the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine the nation’s biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. The steps the Trump Administration has taken will create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds.

    Just last week, NIH announced an illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates that research institutions rely on. In capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent for NIH-funded grants, this policy would cut funding essential for conducting research, such as operating and maintaining laboratories, equipment, and research facilities. This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly.

    These confusing and harmful policy changes threaten patient safety. The strength of the American research enterprise – recognized as the best in the world – is built on Congress’ bipartisan commitment to supporting essential research infrastructure. This funding, which Congress has long appropriated on a bipartisan basis, fuels groundbreaking medical discoveries and cements the United States’ position as the global leader in biomedical research.

    In addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with everyone from custodians, to research trainees, to scientists facing potential layoffs. NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023. Every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. These reckless policy changes not only threaten biomedical innovation and research, but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers in every state across the nation.

    The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications “pause” enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research – they cost lives.

    The NIH plays a critical role in our nation’s efforts to fund scientific advancements that improve health and save lives. Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray: Trump Must Reverse Firing of VA Researchers Across the Country, Threatens to Decimate Lifesaving Work on Veterans’ Medical Care, Prosthetics, and More

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, responded to reports that researchers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are right now being fired by the Trump administration. The administration is refusing to honor researchers’ three-year “Not to Exceed” term limits (NTEs) by rolling them over as is standard and is instead immediately dismissing these researchers—who are in the middle of research on topics including mental health, alcohol and opioid withdrawal, cancer treatments, burn pit exposure, prosthetics, diabetic ulcers, and so much else.

    “The Trump administration is right now firing researchers at VA who do lifesaving work for our veterans—research to prevent veteran suicide, build lifechanging prosthetics, address opioid addiction, and more. This move will effectively mean the end of VA research as we know it in red and blue states. Trump and Elon need to reverse course on this elimination of VA research positions immediately—this callous across-the-board firing threatens to decimate so much of the lifesaving research our veterans depend on.

    “I’m hearing from longtime VA researchers in my home state of Washington who are right now being told to immediately stop their research and pack their bags—not because their work isn’t desperately needed, but because Trump and Elon have decided to fire these researchers on a whim. Americans should understand by now when it comes to these kinds of indiscriminate cuts and arbitrary mass firings—Trump and Elon have no idea what they are doing, nor do they care who they hurt in the process. Our veterans deserve the very best medical care and I am already demanding that VA provide me information about who made these decisions and much more—I’m not going to stand by and let Trump and Elon destroy VA medical research.”  

    According to VA, in fiscal year 2024, there were 102 active research sites nationwide, with 3,685 active principal investigators who led 7,278 active funded research projects involving teams of researchers. In addition, VA investigators authored or coauthored 11,732 published research articles.

    Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, supporting veterans and their families has always been an important priority for her. Senator Murray has fought throughout her career for increased benefits for veterans, housing assistance, better access to veterans’ clinics throughout Washington state, and more accountability from the VA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray: Trump Blocking Funding Will Kill Good-Paying Energy Jobs and Raise Families’ Energy Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Murray: “In choking off tens of billions of dollars in energy investments, Trump is threatening to kill thousands of good-paying American jobs and raise energy costs for households across the country.”

    Senator Murray hosts press call to detail how Trump blocking energy investments is hurting communities in every part of the country

    ***WATCH: PRESS CALL HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, hosted a press call to underscore how President Trump continuing to block key energy investments threatens to raise families’ energy bills, derail key energy projects, and kill good-paying jobs in communities across the country. Senator Murray was joined by David Turk, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, and Joe Nguyen, Director of the Washington state Department of Commerce.

    “The guy who swore up and down on the campaign trail that he would lower people’s energy costs is now working to raise them. And an administration that says it wants to ‘restore energy dominance’ is now working to kill domestic energy projects and the thousands of American jobs they are creating,” said Senator Murray. “This funding freeze—which may very well not be a freeze but a permanent rollback—is bad for families and it’s bad for workers. And it is also bad for American businesses who have inked contracts to create new battery plants, produce sustainable aviation fuel, lay down new transmission lines, construct new energy plants, and so much more—and who are now left wondering whether the federal government is going to honor its commitments.”

    “Another estimate said that the average American consumer is going to pay almost $500 more per year if these kinds of programs—the tax incentives to the loan programs—don’t go forward. And I think that’s a conservative estimate,” said David Turk, who recently served as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. “I really want to underscore that chaos and confusion and uncertainty is not our friend. If you talk to any investor, if you talk to any CEO, the last thing they need—the last thing they want—is chaos, confusion, uncertainty about what should be no brainers. If the government makes a commitment, if we get to conditional commitment with a loan program recipient, that’s the government’s credibility. That’s the American people’s credibility on the line to follow through and make sure that we are providing that certainty for investment.”

    “It was 27 degrees in West Seattle this morning, and even colder in other parts of the state. The hundreds of millions of dollars threatened today by Trump’s political games hurts already overburdened communities the most, especially low-income families, rural towns, and our small businesses. Washingtonians deserve better than the games the Trump administration is playing,” said Joe Nguyen, Director of the Washington state Department of Commerce.

    On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order to illegally halt funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) from going out the door to communities and recipients counting on the funding. Hundreds of billions of dollars are still being held up under Trump’s directives—and it’s jeopardizing all manner of energy projects and programs communities are counting on.

    In the years since the IIJA and IRA were signed into law, over $211 billion in private sector investment in clean energy and tech manufacturing has been announced nationwide—with 232k+ jobs announced and nearly 80% of those investments made in Republican-held districts. The president’s freeze puts all these gains at serious risk.

    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “Thanks everyone for joining this call today. I’m really glad to be here with David Turk, who recently served as Deputy Energy Secretary, and Joe Nguyen, Director of Washington state’s Department of Commerce, to talk about how President Trump and Elon Musk are holding up tens of billions of dollars in energy investments nationwide—putting jobs at risk and raising energy costs for families.

    “We are now well into the fourth week of President Trump’s illegal—and deeply harmful—funding freeze.

    “Trump is still blocking funding that we secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, among much else, from going out the doors. It is, of course, illegal for a president to unilaterally decide to block funding.

    “As I’ve said many times: presidents don’t just get to pick and choose what laws they feel like following.

    “But Trump blocking funding is not merely illegal. It also devastating for communities like the ones I represent—who are counting on these resources, who’ve hired folks, are relying on this funding to, for example, lower their monthly energy bill, and who, in many cases, have already inked contracts.

    “Today, we are talking about the energy investments Trump is blocking—and I want to say from the outset this is just one slice of the vast pot of funding he is holding up.

    “Trump’s freeze is holding up funding for: rebuilding roads and bridges, new clean school buses, wildfire prevention efforts, assistance for farmers, replacing old water pipes, investments in our national security, and so much more.

    “But today I wanted to zero in on what’s going on at the Department of Energy.

    “Because make no mistake: in choking off tens of billions of dollars in energy investments, Trump is threatening to kill thousands of good-paying American jobs and raise energy costs for households across the country.

    “When Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we made historic investments to—among a whole lot else—create good-paying clean energy jobs, spur innovation, strengthen American manufacturing, and lower energy costs for families.

    “We provided funding for families to upgrade their homes and save big on their energy bills. We delivered resources to build new battery manufacturing plants, construct cutting-edge hydrogen hubs, boost our nuclear power capabilities, and increase domestic production of critical minerals we absolutely need.

    “As you can imagine, a lot of good new jobs have been created in the process—and we’re really just beginning to feel the full benefits.

    “A quarter of a million clean energy jobs have been created since we passed the IRA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In Washington state, the new Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub alone is set to create 10,000 jobs. The Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office awards alone will support at least 50,000 good jobs across the country.

    “But Trump is putting these domestic jobs at risk—which plays right into the hands of our competitors, like China.

    “And he is simultaneously threatening to rip up programs we’ve created that are lowering people’s energy costs.

    “Right now, Trump is putting funding for the Home Energy Rebates Program in serious jeopardy. We are talking about funding for families to make upgrades that save them on their monthly energy bill. Funding for you to buy energy efficient appliances and to retrofit your home so that cold air stays out in the winter and hot air stays out in the summer. These programs aren’t just important in tackling the climate crisis—they are saving families money.

    “They provide households up to $14,000 in rebates to make upgrades and lower their energy bills—and they are saving American households up to $1 billion every single year.

    “The Weatherization Assistance Program, for example, saves households $372 on average each year! But again—Trump has put it on the chopping block.

    “There’s no need to dance around it: the guy who swore up and down on the campaign trail that he would lower people’s energy costs is now working to raise them.

    “And an administration that says it wants to ‘restore energy dominance’ is now working to kill domestic energy projects and the thousands of American jobs they are creating!

    “This funding freeze—which may very well not be a freeze but a permanent rollback—is bad for families and it’s bad for workers. And it is also bad for American businesses who have inked contracts to create new battery plants, produce sustainable aviation fuel, lay down new transmission lines, construct new energy plants, and so much more—and who are now left wondering whether the federal government is going to honor its commitments.

    “That uncertainty alone risks jobs and investments—and will hurt local economies everywhere.

    “It was recently reported, for example, that Trump and Musk are looking at cancelling even finalized loans provided by the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office. That, of course, puts jobs at risk and puts workers’ livelihoods and businesses’ bottom lines in jeopardy.

    “But what we are seeing is also a situation rife with potential conflicts of interest and corruption—which is another huge part of the story when it comes to Trump and Musk blocking funding.

    “Just one example: back in 2010, when Tesla wasn’t doing too hot, Elon Musk secured a half billion-dollar loan from the Department of Energy. That loan boosted the company—and Elon Musk—and helped them become what they are today.

    “Fast forward to now—Elon Musk is raiding agencies, cutting off funding, cancelling contracts, and the Energy Department is apparently looking to cancel loans it has made to his electric vehicle competitors.

    “The obvious question then is Elon Musk going to cut off loans that are helping Tesla’s competitors create jobs and build their business right here in America?

    “There is so much at stake—and what is painfully clear is that Trump’s illegal funding freeze is causing chaos and confusion. It’s putting these projects and jobs at risk—and will take money out of families’ pockets—and it has got to end.

    “The court decisions we’ve gotten so far have affirmed what we have known all along: Trump does not have the power to steal approved funding from the American people.

    “But the relief the orders should provide is, for now, only temporary—and in many cases, the funding is still frozen.

    “Now, DOE may say they’ve just developed a new process for thoroughly reviewing all programs and payments but make no mistake: this process is meant to have the same effect—it is a freeze by a different name and the funds remain frozen.

    “What needs to happen is Donald Trump and Elon Musk must end the freeze and revoke their orders to choke off these investments.

    “As I’ve said before: if Donald Trump wants to roll back programs that are lowering people’s energy bills, he can come to Congress and win the votes he needs to do it.

    “If Donald Trump wants to gut funding that is creating good-paying energy jobs all across the country, he can come to Congress and win the votes he needs to do it.

    “That’s why I am here today to sound the alarm and protect critical programs American families rely on and support. You don’t just get to rip up contracts and block funding owed to the American people.

    “Now, I want to turn it over to David Turk, who I’m so glad could join us, to talk a bit more about what this freeze is doing.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressed by Sen. Murray, McMahon Can’t Name a Single Requirement of Landmark Education Law; Murray Grills McMahon on Trump Plans to Dismantle Education Department, DOGE Access to Sensitive Student Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray questions Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), pressed Linda McMahon, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Education Secretary, on how she would approach the job of leading our nation’s Department of Education as President Trump calls the Department a “con job,” says he wants it closed “immediately”, hopes McMahon will “put herself out of a job,” and as Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE have already begun illegally gutting the Department.

    Senator Murray began by pressing McMahon on whether she will ensure enacted funding gets out to serve students as directed and on DOGE staffers setting up camp at the Department of Education, where they have reportedly fed sensitive personal and financial data from the department into artificial intelligence software. “They’ve already been given access to highly-sensitive student data, and have already started holding back money that Congress decided, on a bipartisan basis, was needed to help our schools and students,” Murray said.

    “We are also hearing, as you know, about an Executive Order coming any day that will seek to dismantle the Department of Education. These are bipartisan laws–you indicated that you understood that… if confirmed, do you commit to getting every dollar we have invested in our students and schools out to them?”

    McMahon responded that the DOGE staffers were “doing an audit,” to which Murray pressed further: “I understand an audit. But when Congress appropriates money, it is the administration’s responsibility to put that out as directed by Congress, who has the power of the purse. So what will you do if the President or Elon Musk tells you not to spend money Congress has appropriated to you?”

    McMahon said at first that the Department would “certainly spend” money Congress passed, before immediately following up with: “But I do think it is worthwhile to take a look at the programs before money goes out the door. It’s much easier—it is much easier to stop the money as it’s going out the door than it is to claw it back.”

    Murray made clear in response: “The process by law is that you look at that, you make recommendations to Congress. …. So, I mean the question really is–who decides how much federal funding public schools get in Seattle, where it’s already been allocated… Elon Musk or Congress?”

    Murray continued her questioning by asking Ms. McMahon about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), bipartisan legislation to rewrite the No Child Left Behind Act that Murray negotiated while Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee. The legislation gave states more flexibility in using federal education funds, eliminated one-size-fits-all mandates, and established strong federal guardrails to hold states and schools accountable. Murray argued that the Department of Education must do more to implement the law—pointing out that less than 42 percent of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement had a plan that met all requirements of the law, and the recent National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that our lowest-performing students continue to fall furthest behind and exacerbate pre-pandemic achievement gaps.

    “What specific actions will you take to implement the ESSA law?” Murray asked. “Can you name a couple of the requirements that are in that law that you will make sure are implemented?”

    When McMahon declined to name a single requirement of ESSA, Murray pressed on: “Do you know what the requirements are? Do you know about the requirements for targeted support and improvement schools, or the annual report card requirement? Can you name any of the requirements?”

    When McMahon demurred, Murray asked again about any provisions she could name.

    McMahon responded, “No, I want to study it further and get back to you on that.”

    Next, Murray asked about reports that Elon Musk and his DOGE staff have been given access to the personal information of students and their families—including their Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, date of birth, and what college they are enrolled in. While DOGE’s access is temporarily paused due to litigation, Murray noted, “There is a real potential for that kind of information to be abused, or for students’ privacy to be placed in jeopardy if the courts end up ruling against the students. And we know that DOGE could use that highly personal information to then target students and target their families or cut off access to Pell Grants for students at a college that someone perceives opposes, maybe, President Trump’s policies.”

    “So I want to ask you, do you believe that DOGE employees should have access to private student data?”

    When McMahon suggested that DOGE employees are operating “under certain restraints,” Murray pressed on: “I have to tell you it is deeply concerning that we have DOGE staffers—we don’t know who they are, they’re not held accountable—getting access to students’ private information. I think that should frighten everyone.”

    A senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. As a longtime appropriator, she has successfully fought to boost funding to support students and invest in our nation’s K-12 schools, and she has secured significant increases to the Pell Grant so that it goes further for students pursuing a higher education. Senator Murray also successfully negotiated the FAFSA Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the financial aid application process, simplify the FAFSA form for students and parents, and significantly expand eligibility for federal aid.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Meeting with NIH Nominee Jay Bhattacharya

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Slams Indirect Cost Rate for NIH as Massive Indiscriminate Cut, Setting Back Progress on Lifesaving Research

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Leads Entire Democratic Caucus in Raising Alarm Over Trump Admin Pushing Illegal Indiscriminate Funding Cuts to NIH, Derailing Lifesaving Research

    ICYMI: In Senate Budget Committee, Republicans Block Murray Amendment Reversing NIH Cuts

    Murray: “Trump and Elon—either through sheer ignorance or a genuine lack of caring—are putting lifesaving research in America on life support… canceling and postponing important NIH grant review and advisory council meetings. Tens of thousands of grants at NIH have already been held up by the Trump administration’s illegal actions—creating an enormous backlog that is already jeopardizing jobs, entire labs, and most importantly, the development of treatments and cures.”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP), released the following statement after meeting with Dr. Jayanta “Jay” Bhattacharya, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Murray has been a leading voice speaking out against the Trump administration’s attempts to freeze federal funds and to lower the maximum NIH reimbursement rate for indirect costs, which would create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country, stifling the development of new cures for disease, and ripping treatments away from patients in need.

    “Trump and Elon—either through sheer ignorance or a genuine lack of caring—are putting lifesaving research in America on life support. From their attempts to illegally rip funding away from our research institutions, which would catastrophically derail the development of cures and treatments that sick patients are counting on, to an unprecedented freeze on external communications, to canceling and postponing important NIH grant review and advisory council meetings.

    “Tens of thousands of grants at NIH have already been held up by the Trump administration’s illegal actions—creating an enormous backlog that is already jeopardizing jobs, entire labs, and most importantly, the development of treatments and cures.

    “In our meeting today, I pressed Dr. Bhattacharya on the Trump administration’s reckless attacks on biomedical research and whether DOGE will play a role in deciding which scientists to hire and fire at NIH. I also asked Dr. Bhattacharya to lay out the steps he would take to ensure women’s health research is a priority at NIH, and that it isn’t undermined by this administration’s witch hunt against whatever they decide is allegedly ‘woke’.

    “It is incredibly important that we have a leader at NIH who will stand up for the agency’s role as a world leader in lifesaving research, stand up for science and truth, and stand up to this administration’s brazen attempts to undermine lifesaving work. While I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Dr. Bhattacharya today, I am not any less alarmed by how thoughtless and destructive this administration’s approach to NIH research has been.”

    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Trump’s Nominee for Education Secretary Linda McMahon During Senate HELP Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Linda McMahon, President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Education, during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. During their conversation, Senator Tuberville and Ms. McMahon spoke about the need to promote skills-based education and workforce development programs, which Senator Tuberville has been a huge advocate for during his time on the HELP Committee.

    During the hearing, Ms. McMahon also reemphasized her support for preserving Title IX and protecting women’s sports. Senator Tuberville introduced a bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would make President Trump’s Executive Order protecting women’s sports permanent.

    The conversation follows yesterday’s announcement that Senator Tuberville will serve as Chairman of the HELP Subcommittee on Education and American Families, where he will continue his work to promote workforce development programs, preserve Title IX protections for girls and young women, and empower parents to make the best educational decisions for their children.

    Read excerpts from Senator Tuberville and Ms. McMahon’s exchange below or watch on Rumble or YouTube. 

    Photo by Jack Gruber, USA TODAY

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Chairman. Ms. McMahon, thanks for being here today, and thanks for wanting to take on this monumental task. You know, I’m a football coach. I’m not a lawyer. I’m not a business guy—taught high school and worked my way up for forty years. This country gives you one thing, and it’s what I taught my kids when I coached—the country doesn’t owe you anything but an opportunity. And that’s the reason this country is the greatest country on the face of the earth. Now when you lose that opportunity—and I’ve lost many times—I’ve gotten my tail back up and gone again. But that’s where you learn it, through education. I’ve been to every state in this country recruiting, going to high schools—except for Alaska—in my forty years. In my forty years of coaching and going into high schools, there’s not been a bigger disappointment than our education system. I’ve seen it decline for forty years. It’s gotten worse. You’re gonna have the task of trying to bring it back. It’s gonna be hard to do because you’re gonna be fought from every side. This is not Democrat, Republican, black, white. It’s not. It’s an American problem. I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars of my budget when I was coaching in bringing kids in after I test them—they couldn’t read past the sixth grade reading level, but they had 3.5 GPAs when they came to my university. We’re failing. It is a disaster. If you can’t read, you can’t learn. And that’s the one of the first things that we gotta get back to is teaching our kids to read. We got a lot of teachers that don’t teach reading like you and I learned. It’s different. We have all this nonsensical teaching of what we call ‘Common Core’ for math. I still haven’t figured that out. But thanks for wanting to take this on because there’s a lot of obstacles going to be in your way. And so don’t be afraid to make changes. We’ve had a K-12 system for years. It’s a failure. It is an absolute failure. Let’s teach our kids. That’s the only chance they got to survive in this world, which is gonna be very, very competitive. Now, we have things that get in our way and and what’s deterring our kids nowadays. That thing right there [holds up iPHONE]. I had problems coaching with it. I was enemy number one when I told them, ‘Put that damn phone up, don’t bring it to my dressing room because I want you to listen and learn, not be on there listening to music and reading the nonsense you see on there.’ So, you’ve got a lot of obstacles. The one thing I think we need to do is just look at K-12 and [ask] ‘What do we do? How do we get better?’ I’m all for workforce development in the last two years of high school, teaching kids to learn to use their hands. And what’s your thoughts on that? About work in high school—I’m not talking about past high school—I’m talking about the last couple of years.”

    McMAHON: “Well, thank you, Senator. I think when you and I met in your office—and I appreciated that time—I discussed with you that I probably dated myself by saying that when I was in high school, in your senior year in high school, you could take vocational programs, which meant that you went to school the first part of the day, the second part of the day, you could have a job. You could be learning a skill or a trade, and those credits would count towards your education. I think we need to get back to more of that. We are not teaching skills-based learning in our schools anymore. And I think we have to look at our entire education system and say, ‘Four-year college is not for everyone.’ For those particular jobs that require doctors, lawyers, engineers—that require four years, then I think—”

    *protestor interrupts*

    SEN. CASSIDY: “Ms. McMahon, please suspend. The Committee will come to order. Capitol Police are asked to remove the individual from the room.”

    TUBERVILLE: “I don’t think she knows how to read. Or listen.”

    SEN. CASSIDY: “Again, members of the audience are reminded that disruptions will not be permitted while the committee conducts its business. And with that, Ms. McMahon, please resume.”

    McMAHON: “Thank you. So, I think we do have to get back to teaching basics in school, K-12, but to continue on to what we were talking about, we don’t have enough skills-based learning. We don’t have enough internships or apprenticeship programs. I’d also like to see, more dual credits in our high schools, our junior and senior years that would count towards community colleges or other institutes that would get students through college faster if, in fact, that is the plan that they are going to take. So, we have so much that we can do to help our students get prepared to have a good income and a good livelihood. And if they can graduate from high school with some skills-based [learning] already, they can even start a business of their own. They can decide at that particular point, ‘I want to put more money towards my own education. But in the meantime, I am prepared to make a living.’ But I think we have to look at education and say, our vocational and skills-based training is not a default education. It can be something. It can be front and center so that students who are inclined to go in that direction actually should be encouraged to do that. It’s not one-size-fits all.”

    TUBERVILLE: “I would hope too that you would look—my time’s almost up—would look at the number of teachers we have now as compared to administrators. We need teachers. We don’t need people up sitting in the office with their feet propped up. We need people in the classroom teaching these kids. Hold them accountable and put more money in the teachers and less money in administrators. I think we’d be a heck of a lot better off. Thank you. Thank you very much.”

    McMAHON: “Thank you.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Indianapolis arrests Venezuelan citizen with ties to Tren de Aragua wanted by Chilean authorities for kidnapping charges

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    February 13, 2025Indianapolis, IN, United StatesOrganized Crime, Transnational Gangs

    INDIANAPOLIS – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Venezuelan citizen Feb. 11 wanted by Chilean authorities in connection with a kidnapping.

    “Thanks to the strong collaboration between U.S. law enforcement and our international counterparts, we were able to apprehend this individual, who has connections to dangerous criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua,” said acting ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Dan Johnsen. “Organized crime groups don’t just pose a significant threat to the communities they operate in but also to the safety and security of countries around the world. Our continued partnership with local, federal and global law enforcement is crucial in dismantling these networks and holding those responsible accountable for their crimes.”

    The alien unlawfully entered the U.S. in 2024, bypassing immigration inspection at an undisclosed location in Arizona. Chilean law enforcement authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on charges related to a kidnapping carried out while residing in Chile.

    The suspect remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

    Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @HSIChicago.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justified Accord 2025 hones warfighting capabilities, enhances multinational crisis response readiness

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Brigadier Gen. Paul Koech, chief of training at Kenya Defence Headquarters, formally opens exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) by signing a proclamation at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Trish Basile, chief of the Kenya U.S. Liaison Office (KUSLO), and KDF Col. Jonathan Rungwe, commandant of HPSS, stand together as witnesses during the signing ceremony at HPSS. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)

    (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Forces Brigadier Paul Koech, chief of training at Kenya Defence Headquarters, delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class. Solomon Navarro) VIEW ORIGINAL

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Approximately 1,300 personnel from over 15 countries will participate in Justified Accord 2025, U.S. Africa Command’s largest military exercise in East Africa, from Feb. 10-21, 2025. Hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, this annual exercise strengthens the ability of participating forces to respond to regional security threats, humanitarian crises and peacekeeping missions.

    Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), this is Kenya’s fourth year in a row hosting the exercise.

    This year features the first-ever night iteration of air-to-ground integration operations where partner countries control Kenyan air assets to provide air support of multinational land forces.

    Also for the first time, U.S. and Kenya military healthcare providers will conduct a real-world veterinary civic action program, to provide essential veterinary services to livestock. This fosters positive relations with local Kenyans and builds readiness when encountering animals on the battlefield.

    1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Capt. James Dewy, a physician assistant with the 8th Medical Brigade, a U.S. Army Reserve unit, identifies organs using a sonogram with Kenya Defence Forces medics during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 11, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Josiah Jenkins) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medics joined the medics with 8th Medical Brigade and 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, to conduct a casualty evacuation rehearsal during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Brown) VIEW ORIGINAL
    3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medics joined the medics with 8th Medical Brigade and 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, to conduct a casualty evacuation rehearsal during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Brown) VIEW ORIGINAL
    4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medics joined the medics with 8th Medical Brigade and 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, to conduct a casualty evacuation rehearsal during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Brown)
    1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Exercise planners representing multiple nations pose for a photo to announce the official start of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
    2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Trish Basile, Chief of the Kenya United States Liaison Office (KUSLO), and Col. Jonathan Rungwe, Commandant of the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), welcome a Swiss service member with a handshake during the opening ceremony of Exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at HPSS in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro) VIEW ORIGINAL

    JA25 reinforces the commitment of the U.S. and its partners to joint military readiness, crisis response and multinational cooperation.

    “It’s a great honor to take part in exercise Justified Accord 2025. We give much appreciation to the U.S. for their partnership in training and the exchange of knowledge and skills,” said KDF Brigadier William Kamwoiro, commander of the 2nd Brigade and KDF exercise director. “The training in small team tactics, optics, as well as combat medics will serve to ensure seamless cooperation and effective support in future joint tasks and duties.”

    For photos, videos and articles from the exercise, please visit the Justified Accord DVIDS feature page and the Kenyan Ministry of Defence website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: California DOJ Is Ready to Defend Reproductive Rights at Tomorrow’s Hearing on Providence St. Joseph Hospital Lawsuit

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, February 13, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement in advance of tomorrow’s hearing on Providence St. Joseph Hospital’s (Providence) attempt to dismiss the Attorney General’s lawsuit alleging that the hospital violates multiple laws by, as a matter of policy, denying pregnant patients the emergency abortion care they need. 

    “At the California Department of Justice, we are fully committed to protecting reproductive rights. Whether threats to those rights are coming from Washington D.C. or within California, we will not back down,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As we have made clear in our briefs, Providence is in the wrong. There is no legal basis to dismiss our case. Denying emergency abortion care to pregnant patients who need it is unlawful under multiple laws, and we are looking forward to making our case at tomorrow’s hearing.” 

    BACKGROUND

    On September 30, 2024, Attorney General Bonta announced a lawsuit against Providence in Eureka, California. Filed in Humboldt County Superior Court, the lawsuit alleges that the hospital violated California’s Emergency Services Law (the state level analogue to the federal EMTALA statute), the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the Unfair Competition Law. One particular patient, Anna Nusslock, had her water break when she was 15 weeks pregnant with twins on February 23, 2024. Despite the immediate threat to her life and health, and her pregnancy no longer being viable, Providence refused to treat her. She had to travel to a small critical access hospital called Mad River, 12 miles away, where she was actively hemorrhaging by the time she was on the operating table. In October 2024, Mad River Community Hospital closed its labor and delivery unit — leaving Providence the only available option for women in Humboldt County. The next person in Anna’s situation will face the agonizing choice of risking a multi-hour drive to another hospital or waiting until they are close enough to death for Providence to intervene. 

    On October 29, 2024, Attorney General Bonta announced securing a stipulation from Providence that will ensure the hospital follows California law while the case proceeds.

    A copy of the People’s Opposition to Defendant’s Demurrer — or Providence’s attempt to dismiss the Attorney General’s lawsuit — can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures $360,000 Settlement in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against New Mexico Property Manager and Apartment Complex

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    The Justice Department announced today that the owners and former property manager of a federally subsidized apartment complex in Albuquerque, New Mexico have agreed to pay $360,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that the former property manager sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

    The department’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico in March 2024, alleges that for more than a decade, property manager Ariel Solis Veleta (Solis) sexually harassed female tenants at St. Anthony Plaza Apartments, a Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance property with 160 units in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The suit alleges that Solis’s conduct included making unwelcome sexual comments to female tenants, touching female tenants without their consent, locking female tenants in his office to demand sex acts, and threatening to evict female tenants who did not give in to his sexual demands.

    “A home should be a place of refuge, not fear,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen P. Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will hold property managers and landlords accountable when they target and exploit vulnerable tenants with sexual harassment.”

    “Affordable housing should not come at the cost of tenant’s dignity and personal safety,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “When property managers use their power over housing as a weapon to extort sexual favors from tenants, they exploit one fundamental right in order to violate another. This settlement will protect the sanctity of the home and the basic human rights of tenants, and was only possible because of these courageous women who came forward to tell their stories.”

    “No low-income tenant should face the threat of being sexually harassed or abused by a property manager or others who control their housing,” said Acting Inspector General Stephen M. Begg of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “We are grateful to the tenants who came forward to help put a stop to this violative behavior. This settlement demonstrates that the HUD Office of Inspector General will continue to vigorously investigate landlords and property managers who seek to sexually exploit their vulnerable tenants.”

    The department’s lawsuit also names as defendants the owners and operators of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments, PacifiCap Properties Group LLC, St. Anthony Limited Partnership, PacifiCap Holdings XXXVIII LLC, and PacifiCap Management, Inc. The lawsuit alleges that these defendants are vicariously liable for the sexual harassment of their agent, Solis. The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General participated in the investigation that uncovered the evidence leading to the lawsuit.

    Under the consent decree, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, the defendants must pay $350,000 to tenants harmed by Solis’s harassment and a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The consent decree permanently bars Solis from contacting tenants harmed by his harassment, permanently bars Solis from managing residential rental properties, and mandates training and the adoption of policies and procedures to prevent future discrimination at residential rental properties owned or managed by defendants.

    Individuals who believe they may have been victims of sexual harassment by Ariel Solis or at St. Anthony Plaza Apartments may email Solis.Investigation@usdoj.gov or call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291.

    If you are a victim of sexual harassment by another landlord or property manager or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submit a report online. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

    This settlement is part of  the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative, which the Department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 48 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $17.5 million for victims of such harassment.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Hosts a Press Conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Trump hosts a Press Conference with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1TBAbMnevs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Peters Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose Nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Peters underscored his concerns over Kennedy’s severe lack of qualifications for the critical position, given the fact that, if confirmed, Kennedy would be tasked with managing federal programs that millions of Americans depend on every day, including Medicare and Medicaid, and agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other agencies that prepare for and respond to public health and medical emergencies. Following his remarks, Peters voted against Kennedy’s nomination.
    “Throughout his entire nomination process, it has become clear that Mr. Kennedy is wholly unprepared to lead this Department,” said Senator Peters. “Mr. Kennedy’s lack of experience and basic understanding of our nation’s health care system is, to say the least, extremely alarming. We cannot confirm a nominee who doesn’t even know the most basic answers about programs that he’s actually in charge of administering.” 
    Peters continued, “We need a Secretary who will protect the health of Americans. Robert Kennedy is not that Secretary. And if he is confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, the American people will ultimately pay the price with their health.”

    To watch a video clip of Senator Peters’ remarks, click here.
    During his remarks, Peters highlighted concerns that Michiganders from across the state shared with his office over Kennedy’s nomination:
    “Since Mr. Kennedy was nominated to lead HHS, I’ve heard from thousands of my constituents from every corner of Michigan, from densely populated cities to some of the most rural areas in our state, who are deeply concerned about how his plans for the department would impact families. For example, I’ve heard from countless folks about the rising cost of health care that is squeezing Michigan families’ budgets. Health care prices are rising faster than inflation, making it even harder for people to get the care that they need.
    “I’ve heard from a constituent who has operated a food pantry in her community for 13 years. She worries about what will happen to the people that she serves if they do not have access to the food security programs made possible by HHS.
    “I received a letter from a social worker in Michigan who helped students who were traumatized by the horrific shootings at Oxford High School in Michigan and Michigan State University. She is worried that, without proper mental health resources, Americans who have been impacted by senseless gun violence, whether at school, at their places of worship, at night clubs, or at shopping malls, they will grieve and struggle alone.
    “A Michigan scientist who specializes in CDC research contacted my office. They fear that if Mr. Kennedy is confirmed, it could impact their ability, and the ability of thousands of researchers all across our country, to conduct medical research that is literally saving lives.
    “A concerned mother wrote me and my office that when she was 38 weeks pregnant, she told me that Mr. Kennedy’s long history of spreading dangerous medical disinformation and undermining public health initiatives is directly at odds with how she plans to keep her future child from infectious disease.
    “I’ve even heard from parents who are concerned about Mr. Kennedy’s narrative suggesting vaccines cause autism. Because he has given credibility to these lies, and questioned facts from scientists and doctors, these parents worry that their children will not receive the most basic, routine care that they deserve.   
    “I also heard from a constituent who was born before the polio vaccine was approved. She said that, to this day, she can still remember the relief on her mother’s face when the polio vaccine became available. This moment has stuck with her throughout her 30-year career as a registered nurse, where she has made it her life’s work to study and safely administer vaccines in her community.” 
    “And let’s be clear. Let’s be absolutely clear. Vaccines are scientifically proven to protect against diseases like chickenpox, polio, influenza, and yes, COVID-19.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Support America’s Energy Independence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led her colleagues in reintroducing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. Senator Fischer’s legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleash the power of year-round E15—fulfilling President Trump’s mandate for energy independence.
    By allowing the year-round, nationwide sale of E15, this legislation will finally end years of patchwork regulations and give both producers and consumers the certainty they deserve.Securing this permanent fix, coupled with Senator Fischer’s work with the administration to ensure strong renewable volume obligations (RVOs), will enable biofuels to contribute to our nation’s energy dominance.
    Additional cosponsors of this bipartisan, bicameral bill include U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D. Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (NE-03) and Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced identical companion legislation in the House.
    “It’s time to once and for all solidify President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15—giving America’s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. My bill will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide, year-round E15 a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, as well as with President Trump, to get this bill signed into law,” said Senator Fischer. 
    “For our country to remain a global energy leader, we must continue to invest in renewable and clean energy so we can decrease our emissions and dependence on foreign oil,” said Senator Duckworth. “Producing less expensive fuel choices like E15 that can be sold year-round would help lower gas prices, protect the environment, support our farmers and drive economic opportunity throughout the Midwest. I’m proud to join Senator Fischer in reintroducing our bipartisan legislation that would do just that.”
    “I have been fighting to eliminate unnecessary, unscientific, and misguided barriers to E15 access since 2010. It is time to enact year-round E15 nationwide to provide relief at the pump and certainty for producers. I thank my House colleagues and Senator Fischer for their partnership on our tenacious bipartisan efforts to honor congressional intent in the RFS. From ethanol to biomass-based diesel to sustainable aviation fuel, the world depends on liquid fuels to meet consumer demand and move us forward. We have just scratched the surface of our production capacity, which is why it is so important to codify year-round E15 and ensure robust RFS volumes,” said Congressman Smith.
    “Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,” said Congresswoman Craig. “This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington, and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”
    Nebraska Stakeholder Support:“We applaud Senator Fischer’s leadership and continued passion in reintroducing the year-round E15 legislation, a critical step forward for America’s corn farmers,” said Nebraska Corn Growers Association farmer and President Michael Dibbern. “Although we’re disappointed that this common-sense legislation didn’t pass during the lame duck session, we’re grateful for Senator Fischer’s perseverance. By securing year-round E15 approval, we can increase corn grind, drive economic growth and provide a vital market opportunity for farmers. This legislation would also bring much-needed consistency and stability to the marketplace, allowing American families to choose lower-cost, lower-emission E15 at the pump every day. We’re appreciative of Senator Fischer’s tireless advocacy and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to advance the interests of Nebraska’s corn farmers.”
    “The Nebraska Farm Bureau again thanks Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer for her continued leadership on trying to approve the sale of E-15 year-round. It is past time for the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to become law, and we look forward to working to get this important legislation to President Trump’s desk this year. For too long, outdated rules and regulations have prevented the year-round sale of E-15, and 2025 must be the year we finally rectify this issue,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation President Mark McHargue. 
    “Thank you to Senator Fischer for leading the fight for year-round E-15, which is a huge opportunity for Nebraska’s ethanol industry, farmers, and drivers. This bill means stronger rural economies, lower prices at the pump, and a cleaner fuel option for drivers. On behalf of our members across the state, Renewable Fuels Nebraska applauds her leadership and calls on Congress to act now and pass this bipartisan policy,” said Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director Dawn Caldwell. 
    Full List of Nebraska Endorsements: 
    Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska.
    National Stakeholder Support:
    “Year-round, nationwide E15 sales will prevent a confusing patchwork of state regulations and give consumers reliable access to the fuels they use every day. We thank Representatives Smith and Craig, as well as Senators Fischer and Duckworth, for championing this important bipartisan effort. Now, Congress must act to bring certainty and consistency to the fuel marketplace,” said American Petroleum Institute SVP Government Relations Kristin Whitman.
    “This bipartisan legislation would finally bring nationwide consistency and stability to the marketplace and eliminate the need for last-minute emergency waivers. With the summer driving season just around the corner, we urge lawmakers to swiftly adopt this bill and deliver a win for American families seeking cleaner, lower-cost fuel options. Time is of the essence,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel retailers, equipment manufacturers, farmers, and consumers have all rallied behind this commonsense approach. We thank Sens. Deb Fischer and Tammy Duckworth for their continued leadership on this important issue. RFA commends them and their fellow renewable fuel supporters in the Senate for continuing to fight for fair market access for our nation’s farmers, ethanol producers, and consumers.”“We applaud Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) for leading the charge once again to unlock permanent, nationwide access to E15. Rural families and American consumers are lucky to have them in our corner, and we hope this is the bill that finally makes it over the finish line. The American people have waited for too long to get reliable access to a fuel that can lower costs while creating jobs in rural communities. We look forward to continuing our work with our champions in Congress and the White House to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. 
    “Nationwide consumer access to E15 will save drivers money at the pump while boosting the farm economy,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We want to applaud the sponsors and co-sponsors of this bill for introducing legislation that promises to significantly benefit consumers and farmers alike.”
    “E-15 is a win for both farmers and consumers, offering a vital opportunity to lower fuel prices and provide more choices at the pump,” said National Farmer Union President Rob Larew.“This legislation supports family farmers by creating stronger, more reliable markets while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With this bill, we’re taking critical steps toward a more sustainable future, and we urge lawmakers to act quickly to ensure farmers and consumers benefit from these opportunities.”
    “To effectively serve their customers, convenience retailers need a stable and predictable year-round market for fuels like E15,” said National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) General Counsel Doug Kantor. “We are grateful to Senator Fischer and Senator Duckworth for their continued leadership on this issue, with legislation that will improve the environmental attributes of summer gasoline while lowering costs for families and small businesses across the country.”
    Full List of National Endorsements:
    American Petroleum Institute, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmer Union, and National Association of Convenience Stores.
    Background:Senator Fischer has been a steadfast champion for year-round E15 since 2015, when she first co-led a bill to allow year-round E15 during the 114th Congress.
    In 2017, during the 115th Congress, she introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to amend the Clear Air Act and help make year-round E15 a reality. Later that year, she testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in support of her bipartisan legislation.
    In 2019, Senator Fischer traveled with President Trump to Nebraska and Iowa when he announced regulatory efforts to allow the sale of E15. When President Trump’s efforts were struckdown by courts, Senator Fischer continued to lead by reintroducing this legislation in 2021, during the 117th Congress. Senator Fischer released an updated bill in 2022 that included unprecedented support.
    In 2023, Senator Fischer introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023 to break down remaining barriers and unlock the full potential of nationwide, year-round E15, advancing America’s energy independence. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced companion legislation.
    Last month, on the first day of his term, President Trump took steps to make E15 available year-round through his Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency.
    Click here to read the text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Delivers Opening Remarks at HFAC Hearing on the USAID Betrayal

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing on the United States Agency for International Development’s betrayal of America.

    WATCH HERE

    -Remarks as delivered-

    We are here today, very simply, because many of the people and many of the programs in USAID have literally betrayed America. My colleagues to my left will say that I am lying about these programs, and I know they damn well wish that I was lying. The programs USAID and the State Department have spent money on are indefensible, they hurt America’s standing around the globe, and I think the fact is clear that America would have been better off if your money had been simply thrown into a fireplace.

    Instead, the Biden administration spent it imposing their far-left-wing ideology onto other nations. Under them, USAID spent:

    – $2 million for sex change surgeries in Guatemala.

    – $22 million to increase tourism in Tunisia and Egypt, that’s not lifesaving.

    – $520 million to pay consultants to teach people in Africa about climate change, that’s not medicine.

    – $4.5 million to teach people in Kazakhstan how to fight back against internet trolls, that’s not lifesaving.

    –  $20,000 to help LGTB individuals vote in the Honduran elections, that’s not medicine.

    –  $5.5 million to improve the lives of LGBT individuals in Uganda.

    –  $14 million to identify LGBT leaders in Cambodia.

    –  $425,000 to train Indonesian coffee companies on how to be more gender friendly.

    –  $15 million for condoms to the Taliban.

    And I have pages and pages more. That is not diplomacy. It’s a slap in the face to every American who got up this morning and went to work. To this moment, you haven’t seen or heard any of my colleagues on the left apologizing for this being wrong or wasteful.

    Instead, their biggest concern is that the person assembling a team to make sure these programs are not funded is a billionaire named Elon Musk. They’re so out of touch; they think these programs are bringing other countries closer to us and our adversaries are going to get a foothold if these programs don’t continue.

    That is not what competing looks like for the United States of America. On the contrary, last month when I participated in a Q&A with my colleague here to the left in the U.S. Institute of Peace, which will have to explain their funding, the Ugandan Ambassador stood up and said these programs were not doing anything to improve relations between our nations.

    Take a look at the video.

    These programs will not continue. They’re going to come to an end. Yet my colleagues to the left are arguing for these programs to continue, arguing for the people who put these programs in place to go back to work, and arguing for the agency that did this to continue wasting your money.

    They’re going to argue that President Trump doesn’t have the authority to do this, but the fact is of those who were in Congress, all but three of them, voted to give him the authority in 2024. It says very specifically in SFOPS Appropriations Act that the administration may potentially “expand, eliminate, consolidate, or downsize covered departments, agencies, or organizations.” That’s the language of the authority.

    It’s not just the content of USAID that is the betrayal. It’s the larceny that USAID has conducted. Crooked NGOs around Washington, D.C. swindling American taxpayers out of their money. A recent audit found that USAID’s implementing partners were using as much as 50% of their grant for overhead costs not lifesaving measures.

    The administration has said that the aid pause is temporary, and they have proven it. The recipients of USAID programs, they can apply for a waiver. I have a list with me. Many have applied. Many have been denied and some have received wavers that proved that their work was lifesaving.

    Let me give a warning to my colleagues, it will be short-sighted of you to turn a blind eye to USAID’s betrayal and more broadly to the betrayal within the State Department. Because we are going to bring in the people who put these programs in place. We are going to show to the American people exactly what they were doing. The videos, the documents, the everything. They are going to see it.

    Like $25,000 for a drag show seminar for Venezuelan migrants in Ecuador and we are going to show you that video.

    We will be writing these programs out of law as we conduct our first full State Department review since 2002.

    I would say that when done right, foreign aid can be one of the best tools. It can help strengthen our relationships with our allies that need a hand up and it can help countries realize that America is the best partner.

    But it is only true if we understand a couple of things:

    – What does America actually need from each country or region?

    – What does that country or region actually want from the United States of America? Because it’s not these things.

    – And it’s only fair to Americans if we can prove that a dollar better spent going abroad than staying in the pocket of an American who is right now hustling and grinding it out of work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes to Hold Community Hearing Highlighting Current Immigration Actions

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (February 13, 2025) — On Friday, Feb. 14, at 12:00 p.m., Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth), will hold a community hearing to highlight current immigration actions in Georgia. The hearing will also inform community members of their rights and discuss alternative paths forward for immigration policy.

    EVENT DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
    • Time: 12:00 p.m.
    • Location: Georgia State Capitol, Room 450, 206 Washington St, Atlanta, GA 30334
    • This event is open to the public.

    ABOUT THE MEETING:
    During the hearing, Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes will meet with attorneys and representatives from various civil rights groups and community groups to discuss the issue.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
    We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    # # # #

    Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes represents the 7th Senate District, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. She may be reached by phone at 404.463.5263 or by email at NabilahIslamParkes@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Healthy SNAP Act, Stopping Tax Dollars from Subsidizing Junk Food

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has introduced the Healthy SNAP Act. The bill would exclude soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts from being purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that eligible food promotes the health of SNAP recipients and reflects nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) has introduced the bill in the House of Representatives. 
    “American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans,” said Sen. Lee. “The fastest way to Make America Healthy Again is to encourage balanced diets and stop subsidizing unhealthy food choices. The Healthy SNAP Act is a solid step forward in building a society where all families can be enjoy strength, health, and good nutrition.”
    “President Trump has been given a mandate by the majority of Americans to Make America Healthy Again, and those in his administration, like RFK Jr. and Senator Marco Rubio, have directly advocated for eliminating junk food purchases with SNAP,” said Rep. Brecheen. “This legislation advances President Trump’s agenda by ensuring that SNAP is used for nutritious foods, rather than junk foods and soda that contribute to long-term health issues.”
    “The SNAP program should not prey on low-income populations by perpetuating the consumption of sugary drinks designed to be addictive filled with artificial additives. It’s time to use our SNAP dollars wisely, to incentivize and provide healthier options in low-income areas so all Americans can live healthier and longer. We need more government dollars going towards food that actually provides health rather than take it away – this starts with removing the junk.” –Vani Hari, Founder of Food Babe & Truvani
    “With 38% of U.S. teens now afflicted with pre-diabetes, it is the height of public policy insanity to subsidize soda and candy for the neediest children. SNAP money should be going to American farmers and ranchers, not soda companies. This bill will ensure that.” -Calley Means, Founder of Truemed 
    BACKGROUND
     
    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) exists to provide nutritious food to low-income Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. Over 42 million people, roughly 1 in 8 Americans, are currently receiving SNAP benefits. However, over 20 percent of all SNAP dollars are used to purchase soda, candy, desserts, and other junk food items, which is projected to total $240 billion over the next decade. One of the key aspects of President Trump’s agenda is to “Make America Healthy Again”, and one of the ways to work toward that goal is to prevent SNAP dollars from being used to purchase unhealthy and ultra-processed junk food items that fuel the rise of chronic disease in the United States. Obesity, and the chronic diseases it causes, costs the United States healthcare system nearly $173 billion every year.[1] Taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits should not continue to fund the growth of chronic disease in the United States. 
    The Healthy SNAP Act would exclude soda, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts from SNAP eligibility. The bill would also direct the Secretary of Agriculture to review foods qualified under SNAP every five years to ensure that new and relevant nutrition data is reflected in SNAP food guidelines. The legislation is endorsed by Heritage Action for America.
     
    You can read the bill text HERE.
    You can read the one-pager HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Votes to Confirm Brooke Rollins for USDA Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Brooke Rollins was confirmed as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

    “Brooke Rollins is a lifelong Texan with deep agricultural roots and a passion for public service, all of which make her the perfect choice by President Trump to lead the USDA. I know my friend Brooke will be a strong voice for farmers and producers from the Lone Star State, and I was glad to support her nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Votes to Confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

    “As HHS Secretary, RFK Jr. will lead with a fresh perspective and renewed focus on the physical and mental health of Texans and all Americans. I was glad to support his nomination and am eager to get to work with him and President Trump to make America healthy again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn: Bondi & Patel Will Restore Trust in Our Justice System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) commended U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel for their commitments to restore trust in our justice system and end the weaponization and politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that took place under the Biden Administration. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “One of President Trump’s most important pledges during the campaign was to end the politicalization and the weaponization of the Department of Justice, including the FBI.”

    “Attorney General Bondi and soon-to-be Director Patel are going to have a huge task ahead of them.”

    “My goal for the Department of Justice and the FBI is to restore the nonpartisan functioning of our country’s chief law enforcement agencies. The American people deserve an FBI and a Department of Justice that they can trust.”

    “President Trump’s Attorney General will have a chance to turn the page from Merrick Garland’s failures by reversing the partisan hackery that has been a part and parcel of President Biden’s Department of Justice.”

    “Pam Bondi can serve President Trump and the nation well by enforcing the law that’s on the books and ending the weaponization of political enemies.”

    “Similarly, Kash Patel has an opportunity to turn the page from the abuses and the lack of accountability that we’ve seen at the FBI in recent years. So, I look forward to working with Ms. Bondi and Mr. Patel in their noble endeavor to restore trust in our nation’s justice system and, by doing so, to restore the trust of the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber Urge Appellate Court to Resolve Huntington Beach Voter ID Lawsuit on the Merits

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, February 13, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Court filing underscores that this is an urgent elections matter 

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. today announced filing a petition for writ of mandate with the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three in Santa Ana concerning Huntington Beach’s voter identification (voter ID) law, Measure A. Without citing any evidence that fraudulent voting occurs with any regularity in the city or has ever compromised the outcome of a municipal election, Measure A amended the city’s charter to purportedly allow the city to impose voter ID requirements at the polls for all municipal elections starting in 2026. On November 15, 2024, the Orange County Superior Court concluded that the state’s lawsuit against Huntington Beach over Measure A was “not ripe for adjudication” because the measure “is permissive and discretionary in character, and thus currently presents no conflict with state elections law.” Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber appealed on January 14, 2025. The petition for writ of mandate asks the appellate court to resolve the whole case on the merits, rather than wait to resolve the state’s pending appeal on the narrower question of ripeness. 

    “Secretary Weber and I continue to believe that Huntington Beach’s Measure A is unlawful. Today, we are asking the appellate court to hear our case on the merits now, instead of waiting. With preparations for the 2026 elections beginning late this year, time is of the essence,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The right to vote is sacred, and we will not allow Huntington Beach to disenfranchise Californians at the polls. As we have said repeatedly, our elections are already secure, and applicants who register to vote in California are already required to verify their identity during the registration process.” 

    “As California’s chief elections officer, I stand with Attorney General Bonta in challenging local government actions that violate state law and diminish the right to vote,” said Secretary of State Shirley Weber. “I will continue to advocate for an inclusive democracy and the voices of voters. The writ of mandate filed today seeks to ensure a prompt resolution of Huntington Beach’s unlawful charter amendment.”

    In the petition, Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber explain that the appellate court should grant the petition for the following reasons: 

    • The state lacks an adequate, speedy remedy at law. The City of Huntington Beach apparently intends to adopt and enforce voter identification rules after elections officials begin planning for the 2026 elections and mere months before they are held. There is no other way for the courts to resolve this case quickly enough to prevent elections officials and the city’s voters from suffering harm. 
    • The issue presented is one of great statewide, public importance, with significant implications for the successful administration of upcoming elections, the protection of the right to vote, and the constitutional separation of powers between charter cities and the state.  
    • This case presents a matter of first impression under the California Constitution and a new state law prohibiting local voter identification rules.
    • Resolving this case now serves judicial economy by avoiding numerous appeals raising the same issue. 

    Filed on April 15, 2024, the lawsuit by Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber alleges that Measure A is preempted by state law and invalid. Under the California Constitution, charter cities have the right to govern “municipal affairs,” but local law cannot conflict with state law governing a “statewide concern.” Both the integrity of California’s elections and the protection of the constitutional right to vote are matters of statewide concern. The lawsuit further argues that California already maintains a uniform and robust legal scheme for safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and protecting the rights of eligible voters.

    A copy of the petition can be found here. If the appellate court does not grant the petition, the court may still resolve the state’s appeal on ripeness grounds.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From homes to hospitals, Canada’s food environments need reform

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sara F.L. Kirk, Professor of Health Promotion; Scientific Director of the Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University

    Healthy eating sounds deceptively simple — just eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid junk food, right? However, healthy eating really isn’t easy.

    A new report illustrates how ubiquitous unhealthy foods are, how aggressively they are promoted and how hard it is to access healthy foods in places we spend our time.

    We are part of a team of 18 nutrition and food policy experts from across Canada who looked at research from the past five years to expose the environmental factors that influence what people in Canada buy and eat. We explored many different factors, like the quality of food, food marketing practices and what foods are available in places like hospitals, schools and grocery stores.

    The report is part of an international network called INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research, Monitoring and Action Support). Our findings reinforce that, from homes to hospitals, Canada’s food supply needs reform.

    What we see is what we get

    Unhealthy food is everywhere, and that makes it hard to avoid: what we see is what we get. Our report found that most packaged foods in grocery stores are unhealthy. In fact, two-thirds of them were high in salt, sugar or saturated fat. Only 12 per cent were low in these nutrients.

    Unhealthy foods are readily available for purchase. One study showed that children in Ottawa had, on average, 19 places to purchase foods within one kilometre of their school. In Vancouver, that number was as high as 45.

    In-store environments also thwart healthy purchases: 50 per cent of stores had “power walls” of candy, snacks and sugary drinks, tempting consumers at the checkout, while only around one in five stores operated a junk-free checkout. And nearly all hospital cafeterias and recreation centre vending machines sold sugary drinks.

    Unhealthy foods are also heavily marketed, particularly to children. One study estimated that children aged six to 11 see more than 4,000 food ads on their digital devices each year, while older children see twice that number. Around 90 per cent of the ads that children saw on their digital devices were deemed less healthy based on their sugar, sodium and saturated fat content.

    A closer look at marketing on five food product categories in the INFORMAS Canada report found that one-third of products carried marketing targeting to children.

    For example, almost 46 per cent of breakfast cereals used marketing techniques that made products look fun or cool, or used cartoon characters and celebrities, to entice young consumers. More than 90 per cent of products using these techniques were unhealthy. Of 75 per cent of foods that had some sort of health or nutrition claim on their packaging highlighting healthy attributes of products, 45 per cent of these products were also high in salt, sugar or saturated fat.

    Unhealthy foods are big, cheap and easy

    Our report illustrates how, in many ways, the cards are stacked against us in terms of healthy eating. The food industry, where power is often concentrated within the hands of a few large, multinational companies, continues to create and market unhealthy foods, despite stated commitments to do better.

    With unhealthy foods so available and tempting, it’s no surprise that many Canadians struggle to eat according to Canada’s Food Guide.

    Our unhealthy food environments are making us sick and we all pay the price. Unhealthy eating has been estimated to cost more than $15.8 billion, including direct healthcare costs of $5.9 billion. With unhealthy eating a leading risk for death and the second leading risk for disability in Canada, there is a strong moral and economic imperative for action to improve food environments.

    Creating healthier food environments

    It doesn’t have to be this way. In addition to providing benchmarking data, our report offers a road map for policymakers, industry leaders and advocates to collaborate in creating healthier, more equitable food environments for all Canadians.

    Canada can also draw inspiration from global leaders in food policy like Chile and Mexico. Both countries have introduced bold front-of-package warning labels for foods high in sugar, sodium or saturated fats, combined with restrictions on marketing unhealthy products to children and taxes on unhealthy foods.

    Canada will follow suit with front-of-package labels in January 2026, but policy change in these others areas is lacking.



    Read more:
    Front-of-package food labels: A path to healthier choices

    Mexico has implemented front-of-package food label regulations flagging unhealthy foods. Canada will follow suit in 2026.
    (Shutterstock)

    Taxes on sugary drinks already exist in more than 45 countries, with the United Kingdom recently seeing reductions in sugar consumption after a sugary drink tax was implemented. Canada, unfortunately, is lagging behind, with Newfoundland & Labrador the only province with a tax on sugary drinks.

    As Canada’s national school food policy rolls out, there are opportunities to protect school food from vested interests. These actions need to be extended to other food environments — our homes, hospitals and grocery stores.

    With the threat of tariffs being imposed by the United States and potentially creating major challenges for food affordability, more Canadians are looking for a food supply that is made in Canada. Creating healthier food environments and food systems takes a strong commitment from leaders at all levels (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal).

    Our benchmarking report can help create a nutrition transition that nourishes our population and supports our healthy food producers, farmers and fisheries. This report makes the case for improving our food environments and shows the way to a healthier future for all Canadians.

    Sara F.L. Kirk has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Research Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University Office of Advancement. She is a co-author on the report being discussed in this article.

    Lana Vanderlee receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the US National Institutes of Health, the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé and has received funds from Health Canada. She is currently supported by a Canada Research Chair in Healthy Food Policy (Tier 2).

    – ref. From homes to hospitals, Canada’s food environments need reform – https://theconversation.com/from-homes-to-hospitals-canadas-food-environments-need-reform-249540

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement After Voting to Confirm Brooke Rollins as Agriculture Secretary 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., released the following statement after voting to confirm Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins was confirmed by a vote of 72-28.
    “Congratulations to my friend Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as our next Secretary of Agriculture,” said Senator Marshall. “As a fifth-generation farm kid, I can attest to her deep understanding and commitment to rural America. Not only will she focus on peeling back regulations, but she will also be a staunch supporter of farm-friendly trade policies and a champion of biofuels. Secretary Rollins will ensure that American agriculture remains the backbone of our nation’s food security and the heartbeat of American culture.”
    BACKGROUND

    Last year, Senator Marshall met with Rollins and discussed her impressive background and shared with her “our agriculture industry’s most pressing issues, including preserving crop protection tools, expanding trade opportunities, lowering input costs, and supporting rural development.”
    In January 2025, Senator Marshall proudly voted in support of Rollins during her Senate Agriculture Committee confirmation hearing. 
    Senator Marshall also penned an op-ed in The Washington Times in support of Rollins’ nomination, saying “Ms. Rollins understands agriculture because she has lived it. As a multigenerational farm kid, she knows firsthand the dedication and sacrifice it takes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement in Support of Reciprocal Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. today released the following statement in support of President Donald Trump imposing reciprocal tariffs.
    “Gone are the days of unfair trade deals that give foreign nations the upper hand,” said Senator Marshall. “Today, President Trump put the world on notice: America will no longer be taken advantage of. Reciprocal tariffs are strong, strategic negotiating tools that ultimately strike better trade deals, ensure long-term economic growth and strengthen our national security. With President Trump’s leadership, I am confident we will bring more jobs back to our country, prioritize American-made goods, and level the playing field. ”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Honors American Flag by Introducing One Flag for All Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today led his colleagues in introducing the One Flag for All Act. This legislation prohibits any flag other than the American flag from being flown, draped, or displayed on federal buildings, with certain exceptions. 
    Senator Marshall’s legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi). U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-Tennessee-1) led the House companion of this bill. 
    The One Flag for All Act was first introduced by Senator Marshall in 2023 following the Biden Administration’s breach of U.S. Flag Code by centering a Pride flag between two American flags on the White House. This bill would ensure that such denigration never happens again. It would expand and codify President Trump’s “One Flag Policy,” barring U.S. outposts at home and abroad from flying any other flag than the Stars and Stripes.
    “Never again should a flag that promotes radical gender ideology be flown, draped, or displayed outside the White House or any other federal building,” said Senator Marshall. “The American flag is our nation’s symbol and should be the primary flag proudly flown over government property. I’m proud to introduce legislation to honor Old Glory and ensure rogue politicians and bureaucrats never deface our sacred symbol again.”
    “Too many brave men and women have given their lives for what our American flag represents—liberty, justice, democracy, and freedom,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “Those are principles that should stand above any ideological or social movement of the day. It’s a shame that legislation like this is even needed, but it is to ensure the dominance of the United States flag.”
    “Around the globe, the American flag is seen as a symbol of freedom and liberty,” said Senator Lummis. “I’m proud to join Senator Marshall in ensuring that the U.S. flag is always the preeminent public symbol of our country.”
    “Old Glory is the most recognized symbol of strength, freedom, and prosperity in the entire world. American soldiers did not raise our flag at Iwo Jima for it to be disgraced decades later by radical ideologies,” said Representative Harshbarger. “Our flag represents every single American and should never be disgraced on federal public properties by not being the primary flag flown. This legislation accomplishes just that.”
    This legislation exempts the following flags from being flown at covered public buildings:
    ·         National League of Families POW/MIA flag
    ·         Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag
    ·         Flags representing a visiting diplomat’s or representative’s nation
    ·         Member of Congress’ State flags
    ·         Flags representing a unit or branch of the Armed Forces
    ·         Flags representing religious organizations or churches in limited circumstances
    ·         Flags representing Indian Tribes
    ·         Flags representing the State, territory, county, city, or local jurisdiction in which the building is located
    ·         Flags representing federal agencies
    ·         Flags commemorating a specific national observance, including the 9/11 memorial flag and the Remembrance Day flag
    ·         Flags of historical significance, including the Besty Ross flag, the Gadsden flag, and the Bennington flag

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Risch introduce bill to make bureaucrats write contracts in plain language

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in introducing the Simplifying Subcontracting Act to require the federal government to write subcontracting applications in plain, understandable language. 

    “Government agencies speak an entirely different language from the American people. The Simplifying Subcontracting Act would help Louisiana’s small business owners better compete for contracts by ending Washington’s bureaucratic terminology in the application process,” said Kennedy.

    “Small businesses are vital to our economy but are often left out in federal government contracting due to overly complicated, bureaucratic language. The Simplifying Subcontracting Act requires certain federal government contracts to use plain language, enabling more small businesses to compete for these contracts,” said Risch.

    Currently, overly technical and specialized language discourages many small businesses from applying for and entering into government contracts.

    Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) also cosponsored the bill.

    Kennedy first backed the bill in the 118th Congress, during which the Senate Small Business Committee approved it.

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces resolution to repeal Biden admin’s EPA rule targeting chemical manufacturing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to reverse the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule targeting the use of trichloroethylene (TCE).

    In Dec. 2024, the Biden administration published its final rule to prohibit all uses of TCE. TCE is a liquid chemical that is found in industrial cleaning products, lubricants, adhesives, sealants, paint and more. 

    “The Biden administration waged war against America’s chemical producers who provide critical products to many industries and help keep our economy running. Congress should move quickly to take off the handcuffs that President Biden placed on Louisiana and U.S. businesses,” said Kennedy.

    Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives.

    “The Biden rule for TCE is one of many examples of the Biden Administration’s overregulation. This regulation harms our national security, economy, and critical infrastructure and will cost jobs in my district, so we’re doing everything we can to stop it. I’m proud to partner with Senator Kennedy and get this over the finish line,” said Harshbarger. 

    The Biden administration’s rule classifies TCE as a regulated substance despite it being a byproduct of two different chemicals, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer. These chemicals can be found in pipes, flooring, medical devices and more. Kennedy’s resolution would repeal the EPA regulation to protect the manufacturing of products that Americans rely on daily.

    The full resolution text is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces bipartisan bill to help rural small businesses secure capital, create jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today introduced the Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act to help remove the hurdles that rural small businesses face when they try to access capital.

    “Small businesses keep Louisiana’s economy running, and Congress should make sure our rural entrepreneurs aren’t facing unnecessary hurdles to securing capital. Our bill would help rural job creators get their businesses off the ground and better serve American communities,” said Kennedy.

    The bill would amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require the Securities and Exchange Commission Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation to submit an annual report on the unique challenges rural businesses face when trying to secure capital. These reports would allow Congress to better weigh legislative action to expand small businesses’ access to capital.

    Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) cosponsored the bill.

    Kennedy previously introduced the Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act in the 117th and 118th Congresses. The Senate passed the bill in the 118th Congress.

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces $2.6 million in Hurricanes Ida, Francine aid for Louisiana National Guard, Lafourche Parish

    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 $2,619,792 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana National Guard emergency protective measures and the restoration of a damaged building in Lafourche Parish.

    “Louisiana communities depend on the Louisiana National Guard during disasters. This $2.6 million will help cover costs the Guard sustained during Hurricane Francine and restore a facility in Lafourche Parish that Hurricane Ida damaged,” said Kennedy.

    The FEMA aid will fund the following:

    • $1,500,842 to the Louisiana Department of Military for emergency protective measures that the Louisiana National Guard undertook during Hurricane Francine.
    • $1,118,950 to the Greater Lafourche Port Commission for repairs to the Galliano Main Administrative Office Building due to Hurricane Ida damage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy: Congress should not be picking winners and losers in the news media by funding PBS, NPR

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) argued that the federal government should not continue to use taxpayer dollars to subsidize the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CBP), including the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), on the Senate floor.

    Key excerpts of the speech are below:

    “It might have made sense many, many, many years ago for the federal government to subsidize and fund public broadcasting. Fifty years ago, that might have made sense, but the ability of the American people today to access whatever news they would like to hear from whatever form of media they choose is no longer limited. It is virtually unlimited—only by the imagination.

    “So here is my question, Mr. President. . . . If all this is true, if media has changed and it is accessible to everyone, why is the U.S. Congress still spending half a billion dollars a year—not half a million a year—half a billion dollars a year to fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting? It makes no sense.”

    . . .

    “Congress does not send taxpayer money to the most popular podcast host in America. We don’t. The anchors on Fox News, the anchors on CNN, the anchors on MSNBC, nor their stations—they don’t get any taxpayer dollars. Nor do any of the journalists that ask me questions every day in the hallway in this building—unless they work for NPR or PBS or their affiliates or the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Congress should not be picking winners and losers in the news media, but that is what we are doing.” 

    . . .

    “President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency is looking for fat to trim, Mr. President. As far as I am concerned, this gravy train—this gravy train with biscuit wheels called the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—is the perfect example of a project the American people no longer need and should not fund.”

    Watch Kennedy’s full speech here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Applauds Committee Passage of Disaster Relief Loan Account Accountability Legislation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement applauding the passage of his SBA Disaster Transparency Act out of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee: 

    “Just weeks after South Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene, the SBA’s Disaster Loan Account was completely out of money. I heard from hundreds of South Carolina businesses about the hardship of the SBA loan shortage and immediately began working on several measures to ensure this problem isn’t repeated. This is a needed step forward to reform the Disaster Loan Account, provide increased transparency, and ensure Congress can act before it’s too late. I will continue working with my colleagues and President Trump to ensure this and other measures are put in place to ease the pain of future tragedies.”

    The SBA Disaster Transparency Act would bring the SBA disaster account into parity with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund, requiring public reports on the status of the SBA’s fund.

    MIL OSI USA News –